Reader Question: Pulled Muscle Or Abdominal Hernia?
I don’t think I’ve got a hernia because there is no bulge, but I was lifting the other day and I definitely felt like a pulled or popped an ab muscle. Are there any simple, do-it-yourself tests I can do to be sure I didn’t get a hernia? I’ve postponed my working out until I know for sure and I’m eager to get back to it… ~Andy
Well, the good news is you probably don’t have a Hernia. The bad news is you should take some time away working out. An abdominal hernia is essentially a pulled/ripped muscle in the abdomen that’s bad enough (the tear is large enough) for the intestines and connective tissue to potrude through the muscle and cause a bulge. Since you cannot visibly see or feel a bulge you probably are ok.
I would recommend seeing a doctor if you aren’t sure. They will likely put you through a few exercises, paying close attention to your pain symptoms as well as feeling themselves for a bulge while you’re in various positions. A small bulge may be present, even though you cannot feel it while relaxed.
Either way, it’s important that you take it easy on any exercise that may strain your abs. This includes situps, squats and especially whatever lift you were doing when it happened. If there is, in fact, a tear or strain you want to give it time to heal. I’d suggest waiting at least 1 week past the day you no longer feel symptoms, and then start slow and if there is any discomfort at all you should stop. Do low impact exercises in the meantime, like running for example. Remember, you can tear it worse and prolong your recovery time if you get impatient. Good luck Andy.
Written by admin on October 8th, 2008 with
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