A deep or superficial pulled abdomen muscle causes pain symptoms in the stomach area that come on suddenly or over time. Patients can distinguish their symptoms from more complex internal health problems by noting the nature and location of pain. Assessing additional risk factors of muscle strain, such as personal physical fitness or engagement in strenuous sports, can lead to a correct diagnosis. In considering the causes of injury, patients will understand how to treat, prevent and get medical help for their conditions.
Identification
Ruling out gastrointestinal disorders and complications of tissue ruptures will help to confirm diagnoses of pulled abdomen muscles. Cramping within the stomach itself, rather than the surrounding tissue, may indicate a problem with an ingested food or drug. The NYU Langone Medical Center notes that an unusual bulge in the abdomen is a sign of epigastric hernia, in which fatty or organ tissue migrates through a hole in the abdominal wall.
Features
In contrast, the more moderate signs of muscle strain may be limited to pain symptoms. The thickness and location of the stomach muscles can hide the redness and swelling that commonly identify other pulled muscles. As the Cleveland Clinic relates, patients may notice pain and soreness from postures or movements that require abdominal strength. This includes laughing, coughing, sneezing and sustained periods of sitting. Athletes may feel pain upon swinging a bat or sprinting for any distance.
Misconceptions
Injuries may not be sustained during a single precipitating event. Repetitive overuse can gradually cause the stomach muscle tissue fibers to unravel and separate and pain symptoms to arise. Workouts and sports such as weightlifting, football, golf or tennis can utilize the same abdomen muscles until the demands exceed their normal capacity to stretch and recoil. The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, or AOSSM, warns athletes that their risk for muscle strain increases when beginning a new physical activity.
Solution
Patients who feel pain symptoms only when moving may best treat their pulled muscles by wearing a wrap bandage for support, reports the Cleveland Clinic. Those who suffer from stiffness after sitting can take ibuprofen or aspirin for pain relief. Rehabilitation should move from rest to restricted activity and light stretching, gradually resuming regular exercise and adding a strengthening component for the abdomen muscles.
Prevention
Avoiding muscle strain may involve changing an athletic technique or improving abdominal muscle fitness, according to the AOSSM. Patients who are returning to sports and activity can request professional guidance from a coach, physical therapist or health care provider.
