Pulled Stomach Muscles

Anatomy and Description

There are three primary muscles in the abdomen, and when an injury occurs, any of them can be involved. The rectus abdominis is the massive muscle over the front of the belly area. The rectus abdominis is what gives a person the appearance of a six-pack when the muscles are well developed. These muscles are responsible for the extension and contraction of the abdominal wall and are used in everyday activity. The internal and external oblique muscles wrap around the sides of the body and are responsible for the twisting of the body from side to side. All three of these muscles are extremely important for daily function, and if one or more of them is injured, it can reduce a person’s ability to be fully functional.

Causes of Injury

Injury to the abdominal muscles can happen in a variety of ways, but in most cases, the process is the same. Abdominal muscles, especially the rectus abdominis, are subject to overstretching during activities such as weight lifting, exercising and rigorous stretching. The overstretching can lead to minor tears in the fibrous tissue of the muscle, which, if left untreated or continuously worked, can result in further damage. The internal and external oblique muscles can be pulled from excessive twisting of the body at the midsection, especially if the motion is sudden or extreme.

Common Activities Causing Injury

Muscle pulls and damage to the abdominal muscles can be caused from a variety of things. Most often, abdominal muscle injuries are caused from excessive strain during workouts with exercises such as crunches and sit-ups. People often attempt to build their abdominal muscles and aim for a six-pack quickly, and that is when injury occurs. Gymnasts are also extremely susceptible to abdominal muscle injuries, as those muscles help to keep the core stable, and are often overused in gymnastics. Coughing and sneezing can also result in injuring the abdominal muscles, primarily the rectus abdominis, though it is typically irritation as opposed to actual damage.

Another cause of rectus abdominis injury in women is pregnancy and labor. These muscles can get stretched over the period of a pregnancy, and the pressure applied to them during labor can be detrimental to their elasticity and ability to endure the demands put on them, thus causing tearing and separation in extreme cases.

Treatment and Recovery

As with any injury, rest and the application of ice and heat are crucial to helping pulled muscles recover properly. Ice should be applied during the initial 48 hours following the injury, aiding in the reduction of swelling. Heat can then be used to increase blood flow and loosen tight muscles in the recovery process. Over the counter medications such as ibuprofen, Advil, Tylenol or other pain relievers may be helpful in easing the discomfort associated with pulling the abdominal muscles.

Gentle stretching when it can be done without severe discomfort is also helpful in regaining mobility in the muscles that were injured. It is also wise, in the recovery phase, to avoid movements or activities that are likely to cause the abdominal muscles to spasm, as this can lead to lessened mobility and even further damage.

Prevention of Future Injury

Although there is no guarantee that a person will not reinjure a muscle in the future, there are ways to reduce their risk of it happening again, especially with stomach muscle injuries. Good posture is essential for keeping abdominal muscle injuries at bay, and will be useful for preventing other injuries to the body, as core stabilization is very important.

Increasing flexibility and strength gradually is important for keeping muscles mobile and fluid. Daily exercises such as swimming, pilates, yoga, cross-training, and strength training are great for keeping the stomach and core body muscles strong, healthy and well aligned. Proper lifting techniques combined with back supports during heavy lifting can also be helpful in preventing future injury from a weight-bearing strain.