what does abdominal nerve pain feel like

Abdominal nerve pain can indeed be quite varied and sometimes confusing. It’s often described as sharp, shooting, or stabbing pain, much like your description of a lightning bolt. It may also feel like a tingling or a burning sensation, and can sometimes accompany numbness. This kind of pain can be intermittent or constant and may be worsened by certain movements or positions. The pain is generally due to irritation or damage to the nerves in the abdominal area, potentially from conditions like a pinched nerve, herniated disc, or even abdominal wall problems. However, many other causes can mimic nerve pain, including gastrointestinal issues or even referred pain from other areas such as the spine or pelvis.

Given your experience at the BBQ and the fact that the pain has persisted to some degree, a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is important to pinpoint the exact cause. Since your initial tests showed no major issues, while that’s somewhat reassuring, it doesn’t entirely rule out functional or intermittent problems. You may want to track any additional symptoms that occur, such as bowel habit changes, unexplained weight loss, fever, or blood in your stool, which would require immediate attention. Considering the persistence of your symptoms, consulting with a neurologist or a gastroenterologist could provide further insights, particularly for more specific testing like nerve conduction studies or advanced imaging if deemed necessary.

Additionally, lifestyle adjustments might offer some relief. Avoiding activities or postures that trigger or worsen the pain can help manage symptoms. Practices like gentle stretching, physical therapy, or even yoga focusing on core strength and flexibility may prove beneficial over time. However, self-managing nerve pain should always be secondary to seeking professional diagnoses and management plans, especially in a context where the underlying cause is not yet clearly identified.