Involuntary abdominal rigidity should always be evaluated by your health care provider.

All forms of involuntary rigidity and rebound tenderness (pain when the abdomen is gently pressed and then the pressure is suddenly released) require immediate medical attention, preferably in an emergency room. Surgery may be necessary.

You will probably be seen in an emergency room rather than at your doctor's office.

The health care provider perform a physical examination. The physical examination may include a pelvic (and possibly a rectal) examination.

The health care provider will ask questions about your symptoms, such as:

• When did it first start?
• What other symptoms occur at the same time? For example, do you have abdominal pain?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include the following:

• Barium studies of the stomach and intestines (such as an upper GI series)
• Blood tests
• Colonoscopy
• Gastroscopy
• Peritoneal lavage
• Stool studies
• Urine tests
• X-ray of the abdomen
• X-ray of the chest

You will probably not be given any pain relievers until a diagnosis is made. Pain relievers can hide your symptoms.