Oblique muscles, or side abdominals, support your core and assist movement for daily actions. The obliques help with twisting movements. Damaged muscles require rehabilitation, often recommended by your health care provider or sports injury physician. Insufficient conditioning of abdominals, as well as overstretching, can increase the likelihood of oblique muscle strain.
Identification
Oblique muscle strain occurs when the side abdominal muscles have been overstretched or torn. Fewer than 3 percent of injuries reported in doctors' offices and emergency rooms are diagnosed as abdominal muscle strains, according to MD Guidelines. Symptoms include tenderness and swelling in the oblique area. Oblique muscle strain causes pain that increases with contraction and decreases when the muscles relax.
Types
Oblique muscle strains consist of three categories including first-, second- and third-degree strains. In first-degree strains, or mild cases of strain, the oblique muscle is stretched, but not torn. With second-degree strains, the oblique muscles suffer partial tears or small rips. In the most severe cases, third-degree strains, the obliques undergo a complete tear or rupture, which may result in hernias and bleeding, reports MD Guidelines.
Causes
Oblique muscle strains, often sports-related, are most prevalent among athletes and workers with jobs requiring heavy lifting, pushing or pulling. Rapid movements, improper form and overstraining can cause oblique muscle strain. Forceful and sudden movements can also cause muscle strain, and deconditioned or overused muscles increase oblique strain prevalence.
Treatment
The primary goal of oblique muscle strain treatment includes reducing pain and inflammation, as well as stopping any bleeding that may occur. Ice application and rest contribute to pain relief and healing, and your health care provider may recommend an anti-inflammatory drug or a local anesthetic, according to MD Guidelines. Avoiding strenuous activity to allow for muscle recuperation aids oblique recovery. Severe cases may require surgery to repair and reconstruct the abdominal muscles.
Prevention
Sufficient stretching helps prevent oblique muscle strain. Incorporating strength training exercises that target the entire core area can also help prevent muscle strain. Other prevention strategies include performing a warm-up and cool-down regimen with your exercise program and maintaining proper form during exercises.
