The abdominal muscles are the core muscles on the front region of the body in between the pelvis and the ribs. They are the muscles that support the trunk and also hold the organs of the abdomen in place. They also help in several movements of the body and can end up with a strain which causes discomfort in the abdomen. The pain varies in intensity depending on the severity of the injury. The abdominal wall has different muscles – the rectus abdominis, external oblique and internal oblique. Remember that any of these muscles can become pulled.
Symptoms
- Pain in the abdominal wall especially when laughing, coughing and sneezing
- Pain and discomfort when bending forward and stretching backwards.
- Pulled muscles of the abdomen depends on the severity by the injury. Grade 1 involves small level of pain and slight inflammation and last for only a few days. Grade 2 involves a moderate strain along with limited use of the muscles until it heals. There is also difficulty in performing activities such as twisting and turning. For grade 3 injuries, it involves severe pain and requires medical help immediately. Oftentimes, there is bruising with spasms of the muscle.
Pain in the abdominal wall especially when laughing, coughing and sneezing.
Causes
Abdominal muscles can end up pulled due to overstretching when playing sports that need rapid bending or twisting from the trunk and performing exercises. Playing sports that needs batting, serving during tennis and volleyball can cause abdominal muscle to become pulled and can also happen by overusing the abdominal muscles.
People not performing warm-up exercises before engaging in any rigorous activities can lead to the development of pulled muscles in the abdomen. Coughing can also cause pulled muscles. The muscles of the abdomen can become pulled once there are microscopic tears in the muscle and when there is severe injury caused on the abdominal muscle such as vehicular accidents in which the muscles can rupture.
Treatment of a pulled abdominal muscle
- While performing exercises and the individual feels a stretch in the abdomen or abrupt acute pain, stop the activity immediately.
- Take plenty of rest especially the abdominal muscle. It is best to get plenty of bed rest for a few days until the pain lessens.
- Sit and position the legs in a reclined position then place an ice pack on the stomach and the abdominal area for at least 15 to 20 minutes every hour every day until the pain is minimized. You can also apply heat wraps since it helps in relaxing the sore muscle and relieves the tenderness.
- Take the prescribed pain medications such as ibuprofen to lessen the pain and inflammation.
- Add a pinch of turmeric powder in a glass of warm milk. Drink this milk at night at least every day until the pain in the abdomen is minimized. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and helps with the healing of tears in the muscle fibers.
FACT CHECK
https://www.healthline.com/health/abdominal-strain
https://www.epainassist.com/abdominal-pain/stomach/abdominal-muscle-tear
https://www.summitmedicalgroup.com/library/adult_health/sma_abdominal_muscle_strain/