We sometimes hear about abdominal muscle separation, what is this disease, how dangerous is it, what are the causes of its occurrence, and how can it be treated? In this topic, we explain to you the most important information about muscle separation, its causes, symptoms, complications, methods of treatment and prevention.
What is muscle separation?
When the abdominal muscles expand, there may be a gap between them that leads to their separation from each other or the appearance of flatulence , but fortunately, this gap usually closes on its own, and there are some exercises that can help in a quick recovery and some exercises for the abdomen that It should be avoided to avoid worsening of the condition.
Muscular separation is defined as partial or complete separation of the rectus abdominis muscles consisting of 6 bundles, which meet at the midline of the stomach, and muscle separation is very common during and after pregnancy, because the uterus extends the abdominal muscles to accommodate the growth of the fetus, and one study found that there are about 60% of women may experience a hernia during pregnancy or after childbirth.
However, the condition is not limited to pregnancy, and muscle separation can affect anyone, including newborns and men, and in some cases it can result from lifting heavy weights incorrectly or doing excessive or unsafe abdominal exercises.
Causes of muscle separation
Excessive pressure on the abdomen may lead to muscle separation during pregnancy, as the abdominal muscles and connective tissues stretch from the expanding uterus due to pregnancy hormones, such as: progesterone and estrogen , and pushing during childbirth can also cause muscle separation.
Body mass index (BMI), weight gain during pregnancy, fetal weight, and maternal age are all risk factors, but studies have shown that there is no link between these factors and the likelihood of pregnant women developing this condition in one way or another.
Newborns are sometimes born with twitching, especially if they are premature, because the abdominal muscles are not fully developed and connected, and this condition usually improves on its own with time.
Symptoms of muscle separation
One of the most common symptoms of muscle separation is the presence of a gap or bloating in the stomach, especially when the abdominal muscles are strained or contracted. Other symptoms of muscle separation include the following:
lower back pain. Uncomfortable sitting position. Constipation . flatulence.
muscle separation treatment
Most women suffer from muscle separation during pregnancy, which may lead to back and pelvic pain, and it may be a good idea to wear a strap around your abdomen and back to support this area during the day, and also make sure to do the following to relieve pain and treat muscle separation quickly:
Avoid lifting anything heavy or putting extra effort into your abdominal muscles during pregnancy and after delivery. Practice sitting and standing in a correct position. Support your lower back when sitting with a cushion behind you. Bend your knees and support yourself with your arm when getting out of bed or standing. Do exercises to strengthen your torso during pregnancy, but do exercises that are safe for pregnancy. For some women, the muscle separation may correct itself after childbirth, when the abdominal muscles regain strength. Do pelvic floor exercises and deep stomach muscles to treat postpartum muscle separation. Always consult your doctor and get his approval before you start exercising after childbirthAnd after you get the approval, follow a specialized separation exercise. If you're still experiencing symptoms of muscle separation for 8 weeks after giving birth, it may help to get dedicated exercise. You can do the exercises at home or work with a physical therapist or fitness specialist after giving birth.
Complications
In the event of muscle separation and neglect of treatment of the problem, it may worsen and affect the whole body, which leads to the occurrence of the following complications:
Urinary incontinence. Feeling of pain in the back. Feeling pain in the pelvis or thighs. Feeling pain during marital relationship. Persistent gastrointestinal disturbances, such as constipation.
Prevention of muscle separation
It is possible to reduce the chances of developing muscle separation during pregnancy and after childbirth by following the following tips and instructions:
Be sure to strengthen the abdominal muscles before pregnancy or in the first months of pregnancy if the doctor allows you to do so. Avoid any activity that may cause pressure or tension on the abdominal muscles during pregnancy, such as: plank exercise. Try to avoid any factors that may cause constipation during pregnancy. The necessity of treating any disease that may cause a pregnant woman to cough.
Muscular separation is a condition that occurs in the abdominal muscles as a result of various reasons, and it is associated with many women with pregnancy and childbirth, and although it is not a common condition, it can be prevented by exercising and following some of the simple tips that we mentioned to you.
Tags
Health