Abdominal muscle strain is caused by stress on the muscles and can happen to anyone. It is classified into mild, moderate, and severe cases, with treatment including medication, limiting activities, and applying ice packs.
Also known as an abdominal muscle strain, an abdominal muscle strain is a condition in which some type of injury has occurred to the muscles of the abdominal wall. Usually, a strain in an abdominal muscle occurs when the muscles are put under too much stress. As a result, muscle fibers can become strained or even tear.
Abdominal muscle strains aren’t limited to professional athletes. It is possible for anyone to experience circumstances that put extra stress on the abdominal muscles. Simple activities like too many repetitions of certain exercises or straining your muscles while lifting can lead to major abdominal muscle soreness. Fortunately, most cases are relatively minor and can be treated easily.
Cases involving a tight abdominal muscle problem are usually classified into three different grades. Mild cases of muscle strain usually include a small amount of pain that doesn’t impede range of motion. With this degree of strain, simple pain and inflammation relieving medications will allow the muscles to heal in a short period of time without limiting daily activities.
Moderate cases of abdominal muscle strains result in a higher level of pain and usually require limiting some activities, especially exercises that engage the abdominal muscles. Along with medications, the individual experiencing this type of muscle strain will also limit any activity that involves twisting or turning the abdominal muscles. Depending on your situation, a doctor may recommend wearing some type of restrictive bandage during the day to help inhibit sudden movements that would pull tight muscles.
Severe cases of abdominal muscle strain are characterized by constant pain that can’t be controlled without the help of medication. There is usually some type of visible bruising along the abdomen, accompanied by muscle spasms that further aggravate the pain from tight or torn muscles. In some cases, you may need to avoid most physical activity for a period of time while your muscles are healing.
While it is never possible to completely immobilize the abdominal muscles, steps can be taken to relieve the level of stress being placed on the muscles. Along with taking medications to minimize inflammation and pain, applying ice packs during the first couple of days after the injury can help bring the situation under control and facilitate the healing process.
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