upper abdomen tightening

My upper abdomen area keeps tightening when I walk or do anything that strains that area. If I continue I get a stabbing pain in the upper abdomen area. My problem started several years back. I think when I was doing excessive stomached exercise.

I have visited several doctors, done all types of tests such as ECG, blood tests, xrays,  laparoscopy test to check if hiatal hernia and MRI to test if it is a muscle tear. All were negative. After I received the images, I am not sure how an MRI could detect a small tear.

There was just one reputed ayuruvedic practitioner who said it was a muscle tear in the upper abdomen. He gave me some oil to apply but no results. Any way sine the abdomen is always moving, I don’t think it can self heal through applying oil. Surgery is the only option but only if the exact location can be diagnosed.

Any way I have spent heaps of money visiting doctors and surgeons with no results. The only thing they say is that it may be psychological and learn to live with it. Easy for them to say.

Is there any way to actually diagnose a hairline fracture and repair it ?

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

An MRI detects gives very detailed images and should be able to detect tears and hairline fractures. With a normal MRI structural lesions are ruled out. The issue seems more functional probably due to lactic acid accumulation due to sudden increase in the exercise level. I would suggest rest for a few days following with gradual increase in exercises under a professional physical trainer or a physiotherapist. Regular exercises would help in tightening the abdominal muscles and improving their strength. If increased weight is an issue, weight loss may also be beneficial.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!