OverviewWhat is an abdominal muscle strain (pulled stomach muscle)?An abdominal muscle strain occurs when you tear or overly stretch muscles in the stomach. An abdominal muscle strain and pulled stomach muscle are the same condition. Show
What are the abdominal muscles?The abdominal (stomach) muscles are part of the musculoskeletal system. These muscles on the front of the body, between the pelvis and ribs, support the trunk (midsection), hold organs in place and help you move. Your abdominal muscles and your back muscles are core muscles that support and stabilize the spine. They work together to help you sit, stand, walk, exercise and more. Several groups of muscles make up the abdominal muscles:
Where do abdominal muscle strains (pulled stomach muscles) occur?An abdominal muscle strain can affect any abdominal muscle. You may have:
What’s the difference between a pulled stomach muscle and a hernia?Hernias occur when an organ pushes through a weak spot in a muscle. They typically appear in the groin, the area between the abdomen and upper thigh. An abdominal muscle strain may increase your risk of getting a hernia. A hernia and a pulled stomach muscle can both cause abdominal pain. Hernias cause a lump or bulge at the hernia site, which may ache or burn. A hernia can also cause constipation or nausea and vomiting (abdominal strains don’t cause these problems). A hernia won’t go away without treatment, but an abdominal muscle strain gets better with rest. Symptoms and CausesWhat causes an abdominal muscle strain (pulled stomach muscle)?A pulled stomach muscle is often an overuse injury. Repetitive movements, usually in sports or other physical activity, cause the muscle to stretch or tear. Other causes include:
Who is at risk for getting an abdominal muscle strain (pulled stomach muscle)?Anyone can pull a stomach muscle, but certain activities increase your risk. People who play sports like football and tennis that require a lot of reaching and side-to-side trunk movements are more likely to develop this problem. What are the symptoms of an abdominal muscle strain (pulled stomach muscle)?Abdominal pain and musculoskeletal pain are the main signs of an abdominal strain. You may experience this pain when:
Other symptoms include:
Diagnosis and TestsHow are abdominal muscle strains (pulled stomach muscles) diagnosed?Your healthcare provider can diagnose a pulled stomach muscle based on symptoms and a physical exam. Depending on the cause of the injury and your symptoms, you may get:
Management and TreatmentHow are abdominal muscle strains (pulled stomach muscles) managed or treated?Abdominal muscle strains get better over time with rest. These steps can help:
PreventionHow can I prevent an abdominal muscle strain (pulled stomach muscle)?Giving your abdominal muscles a rest from certain activities can lower your chances of pulling a stomach muscle. You can also:
Outlook / PrognosisWhat is the prognosis (outlook) for people who have abdominal muscle strains?Most people can return to their activities after giving the abdominal muscles time to rest and heal. Living WithWhen should I call the doctor?You should call your healthcare provider if you experience:
What questions should I ask my doctor?You may want to ask your healthcare provider:
A note from Cleveland Clinic An abdominal muscle strain, or pulled stomach muscle, will get better with time, rest and the appropriate treatments. It’s important to take steps to strengthen abdominal and core muscles to prevent straining the muscle again or pulling a different stomach muscle. Your healthcare provider can offer suggestions to lower your risk of an abdominal muscle strain. What is the best way to prevent chafing select one?How to avoid chafing. Wear moisture-wicking clothing. “These fabrics will help you keep cool and dry, decreasing the sweat that can cause chafing,” Chiu explained.. Work out in tight fitting, seamless clothes. ... . Change out of wet or sweaty clothing. ... . Avoid wearing cotton.. Which of the following activities can best develop both muscular strength and endurance?Activities that build muscular endurance include long-distance running, cycling, or swimming, along with circuit training and bodyweight exercises. You can improve muscular strength and endurance by doing repetitive movements until the point of exhaustion.
Which among the following exercises is best suited to target the muscles of the abdominals?The bicycle crunch is one of the best exercises for targeting both your rectus abdominis muscle and your obliques — the muscles on the sides of your core.
What component of physical fitness refers to how much weight you can lift?Muscular strength: how much force your muscles can exert or how heavy weights they can lift. Muscular endurance: the ability of your muscles to sustain exercise for a period of time.
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