Abdominal rigidity describes stiffness of the wall of the abdomen.
Abdominal rigidity is often caused by a spasm of the abdominal wall muscles after an injury. It may also be a sign that the person has swelling inside the abdominal cavity. Serious disease inside the abdomen can also cause abdominal rigidity.
Rigidity may point to a local problem in the muscles. Or it may relate to a deeper problem inside the abdomen. These are causes of abdominal rigidity: