What Is Solar Plexus?
The solar plexus or celiac plexus is a complex network of nerves or ganglia in the upper abdominal area. It is located behind the stomach, below the diaphragm, and in front of the aorta, the largest artery. The solar plexus is situated at the level of the first lumbar vertebrae and is a part of the sympathetic nervous system.
In Vedic medicine, the solar plexus is considered one of the seven chakras or focal points. So it is called the solar plexus chakra or Manipura. It is associated with emotions like confidence, power, and joy. Blockage of the solar plexus chakra can cause digestive issues and mental problems. Exercise or 20 minutes of sun exposure activates the solar plexus chakra. Certain poses, breathing exercises, and aromatherapy balance the solar plexus in yoga. Bananas, pineapples, corn, lentils, etc., are good for solar plexus chakra.
What Are the Functions of Solar Plexus?
The solar plexus sends signals to the brain and spinal cord from the esophagus, stomach, spleen, pancreas, gallbladder, liver, and small intestine. It plays a key role in the smooth functioning of the body.
The following are the functions of the solar plexus;
It transmits sensory impulses like pain and reflexes from the gut.
It controls fight and flight response.
It controls involuntary functions like peristalsis and respiratory functions.
It promotes secretions from glands.
What Causes Pain in Solar Plexus?
People experience pain in the solar plexus area due to many reasons;
Pulled Muscle: When an abdominal muscle gets pulled or stretched during a workout or daily activity, swelling or redness occurs in those muscles, leading to severe pain in the solar plexus area. A pulled muscle is the main common cause of solar plexus pain.
Gastric Problems: Gastric problems like ulcers, acid reflux, bloating, nausea, vomiting, etc., can cause pain in the solar plexus.
Trauma: A severe blow or trauma to the abdominal area may damage nerves, including the solar plexus. Pain in the solar plexus due to trauma is rare.
Anxiety: It is associated with a fight or flight response produced by the adrenal gland's medullary part and can cause poor breathing. Hence anxiety can also cause solar plexus pain.
Breathing Issues: Trouble breathing during stress, tension, or anxiety may lead to an insufficient supply of oxygen, which triggers pain in the abdominal and solar plexus region. Respiratory disorders like asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), etc., can cause solar plexus pain due to poor breathing.
Pancreatic Cancer: As the solar plexus is also tied to the pancreas, any pathology associated with the pancreas may affect the solar plexus. So, pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer can lead to solar plexus pain.
Other causes of solar plexus pain include;
Diabetes.
Hypoglycemia.
Arthritis.
Sudden gain of weight.
Nerve damage.
Overuse of medications.
Organ failure.
Metastatic cancer.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Solar Plexus Pain?
A person with solar plexus pain may experience the following signs and symptoms;
Chest pain.
Severe stomach pain.
Anxiety.
Nausea and vomiting.
Lightheadedness.
Palpitations.
Intestinal contractions.
Lack of sleep.
What Is Solar Plexus Syndrome?
Solar plexus syndrome or winded occurs when a sudden blow or injury occurs in the abdominal area. It commonly occurs during sports and gymnastics. When a blow or trauma occurs in the abdominal area, the nerves in the solar plexus may get injured, leading to severe pain and breathing difficulties. In addition, as the solar plexus is present beneath the diaphragm, injury in the solar plexus can cause spasms, which may cause breathing issues.
How Is Solar Plexus Pain Diagnosed?
A person is advised to consult a physician if the solar plexus pain persists for more than one week. Although solar plexus pain may occur due to underlying conditions like pancreatitis, diabetes, stomach ulcer, etc., it is important to get diagnosed.
The physician will take a detailed history of any recent trauma, anxiety issues, medications, etc., to know the cause. Then a detailed blood examination will be advised to check for blood sugar levels, followed by computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to check for injury in the abdominal region.
What Is the Treatment for Solar Plexus Pain?
If any underlying cause is the etiology of solar plexus pain, the physician will start the treatment for that disease. Some of the methods to relieve solar plexus pain are;
Take a break from intense physical activities or workouts.
Apply a cold pack on the area of redness or swelling.
Mild painkillers are recommended to relieve pain.
Patients are advised to opt for a healthy diet if the pain is caused due to digestive issues.
Yoga, breathing exercises, and meditation can relax the nervous system, relieving pain.
Celiac plexus block is a type of nerve block that prevents the pain sensation in the abdominal area. Celiac plexus block is given to relieve the pain in severe cases of solar plexus pain, like pancreatitis or intestinal contractions.
What Are the Prevention Strategies for Solar Plexus Pain?
People experience solar or celiac plexus pain due to various causes. The pain may persist long unless the underlying condition is treated. The following measures can be adopted by people who are likely to develop solar plexus pain;
An unhealthy diet can cause many digestive problems like ulcers, diarrhea, vomiting, burning sensation, bloating, etc., with a high chance of developing solar plexus pain. Hence, following a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods is important.
Regular exercise can prevent weight gain and improves digestion and metabolism.
Adequate rest is required for people with anxiety and stress as these factors can predispose solar plexus pain.
Relaxation techniques like meditation, Tai chi, etc., may help prevent anxiety, tension, stress, etc.
In yoga, poses and other stretching exercises aim to improve the health of the solar plexus, as it is considered an energy powerhouse of the human body.
Conclusion
Solar plexus or celiac plexus pain is a pain in the upper abdominal area. It is caused due to anxiety, pulled muscles, trauma, pancreatitis, stomach ulcers, diabetes, etc. The person with solar plexus pain may also experience nausea, lightheadedness, insomnia, etc. The pain can be relieved with low-dose painkillers in some cases. However, solar plexus pain due to underlying conditions may persist until the disease is treated. Therefore, physicians may advise celiac plexus blocks in severe pain cases, blocking the pain sensation and relieving the patient.
