Building up an impressive, chiseled set of abs is top fitness goal for many men. However, if you experience a feeling of tightness in a your stomach, it may not be the result of healthy intentions. A “rock hard” stomach may be the result of digestive or hormonal issues, and there are several symptoms to be aware of if you’re questioning the tightness in your abdominals. So what causes a hard stomach, and how can you fix it?
What is a tight stomach?
A tight stomach can feel different for everyone. Most commonly, it may feel as if the muscles are contracting and creating pressure in the stomach. The tightness is often a temporary, however, it can also be a symptom of an underlying condition.
Causes
Though a tight stomach can be caused by chronic stress, it is more likely to be triggered by physical symptoms. Those symptoms include:
- Indigestion
- Constipation
- Irritable bowel symptom
- Food poisoning
- Gastritis
Treatment and prevention
Treatment depends on the specific cause, but there are several things you can do to reduce the chances of a tight stomach including:
- Stay hydrated
- Eating healthy
- Regular exercise
In most cases, a tight stomach doesn’t require a visit to the doctor. However, you should seek immediate medical attention if the tightness is accompanied with severe nausea, weight loss or difficulty breathing.
