This type of injury is fairly widespread among athletes or those who play a sport intensively. This is a result of the important role played by the core muscles in many sporting movements.
We should note at the start that an abdominal muscle strain is different from a hernia. However, the two injuries are sometimes confused with each other. The confusion sometimes arises because the symptoms of a hernia can be very similar to those of an abdominal strain. However, one important difference between a hernia and muscle strain is that a hernia is often associated with a swelling or the presence of a lump. A muscle strain does not usually cause a lump.
Hernias occur when an internal organ or body part starts sticking through the abdominal wall of muscle or tissue that normally contains it. If the internal organ is the bowel (intestine), then it can become become squeezed in the opening in the abdominal wall. This, in turn, can cause a blockage and the patient can then develop, nausea, vomiting and/or constipation.
The abdomen has several layered muscle fibres running from superficial to deep in the abdominal cavity:
People may experience abdominal strains due to any of the following activities or circumstances:
Most abdominal muscle strains will cause a sudden sharp abdominal pain when the injury occurs.
As with other types of muscle strain, abdominal muscle strains can be classified according to their severity:
The ability of the patient to move without experiencing severe pain will be very limited. Muscle spasms may also be experienced.
This injury requires emergency care. Anyone suspected of having experienced a Grade 3 abdominal strain should be kept as still as possible until emergency care arrives. Those in charge of his or her care should apply an ice pack and monitor his/her vital signs closely.
Along with these symptoms, people with all grades of abdominal strain may experience difficulty walking or standing up straight. Others may find it hard to bend forward or sideways. This is because these movements all engage the abdominal or core muscles to one extent or another.
Individuals experiencing some or all of the above symptoms should consult a healthcare professional for medical advice. This type of injury is frequently sustained in connection with sports or exercise. Consequently, the patient should see a doctor with sports medicine expertise.
Although some of these symptoms may also be experienced with a hernia, the latter may also present additional signs. These may include some of all of:
Diagnosis of an abdominal strain should ideally be done by a sports medicine professional. The doctor making the diagnosis will likely need to palpate (examine by touch) the abdominal muscles. Muscle testing may then be carried out to determine which muscles have been damaged and the severity of the injury.
Treatment of an abdominal strain may require one or a combination of 6 options, depending on the severity of the injury:
This is probably the most important component of the treatment for an abdominal strain. The patient should avoid any activities that may place stress on the stomach muscles. The aim should be to give them a chance to repair themselves naturally. Rest alone will be sufficient to heal the majority of mild muscle strains. Most mild strains will heal within a few weeks.
Apply a cold compress or ice pack to the painful area (after wrapping it in a towel) for about 15-20 minutes. Repeat every 2-3 hours until the pain and swelling have improved.
Once the pain and swelling have largely disappeared, switch to using heat therapy using a hot compress. As with the cold therapy, wrap the compress in a towel before application. Apply for about 20 minutes at a time at intervals of 2-3 hours. Heat therapy helps to relax the muscle and relieve tension, thereby reducing pain. In addition, blood flow to the affected area is increased. The increased blood flow helps to promote healing and reduce inflammation.
Use non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce the pain and any inflammation that may be present. Examples of good options include ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve).
Pain killers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) may also be considered. However, the patient should be aware that they will not reduce any inflammation that may be present.
Use a tensor bandage to apply compression to the injury. The pressure produced by the bandage helps to minimize movement and swelling. A compression top like the LP EmbioZ back support may also be useful in applying compression to the required area
This is another critical component of the recovery plan that is sometimes underestimated. A physical therapist can design an exercise program for abdomen and core strengthening. It will help to reduce the risk of another abdominal strain after returning to regular activities.
These exercises should not be undertaken until after the acute injury has healed. Strengthening exercises done before an injured muscle has healed can exacerbate the damage and lengthen the healing process.
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