What causes pain around the navel?

Jan 24, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Recently, I have been feeling pain around my navel, especially when moving. I have never experienced this before. I would like to ask, what are the possible causes of pain around the navel area?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua

Pain around the navel can be caused by various factors. The following are some common possibilities:

1. Digestive system diseases: This is the most common cause of periumbilical pain. Conditions such as gastritis, gastric ulcer, enteritis, appendicitis, and cholecystitis can cause such pain. Particularly in the early stages of acute appendicitis, the pain often starts around the navel and later shifts to the lower right abdomen. Additionally, intestinal obstruction and irritable bowel syndrome can also lead to periumbilical pain.

2. Urinary system issues: For example, kidney stones or ureteral stones moving through the urinary tract may irritate abdominal nerves, causing pain around the navel or the waist.

3. Gynecological conditions: Female patients may experience periumbilical pain due to pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cyst torsion, or ectopic pregnancy. This should especially be considered when accompanied by menstrual irregularities.

4. Hernia: Umbilical hernias are more common in children, but they can also occur in adults, presenting as a reducible mass at the navel accompanied by pain.

5. Neuropathic pain: For example, during the prodromal phase of herpes zoster, the virus can affect nerve roots, causing pain in the skin area around the navel.

If you experience pain around the navel, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly.