If your abdominal pain is mild or tolerable, here are some remedies you can try at home. Heating pad: Grab a heating pad and apply to your belly area. Chamomile or peppermint tea: Both are known to help soothe digestive pain or upset.
Full Answer
What to do if you have a tear in your abdomen?
Some severe muscle tears can be healed by immobilizing them in a brace or cast; for other tears, the orthopedist may recommend surgery. If your abdominal muscle tear is not serious enough to require a specialist consultation, your doctor will send you home with treatment instructions.
What are the treatment options for abdominal pain?
Treatment depends on the cause of your abdominal pain. You may need any of the following: Medicines may be given to decrease pain, treat an infection, and manage your symptoms, such as constipation. Surgery may be needed to treat a serious cause of abdominal pain. Examples include surgery to treat appendicitis or a blockage in your bowels.
How do you treat an abdominal strain?
The ice pack can be reapplied every two hours for the first two to three days post-injury. Rest is another component of the P.R.I.C.E. principle, but is a little more difficult with an abdominal strain. Injuries to the arms or legs can easily be protected and rested through the use of crutches, slings, or braces.
How can pain due to an obstruction of the stomach be relieved?
Pain due to obstruction of the stomach or upper small intestine may be relieved temporarily by vomiting which reduces the distention that is caused by the obstruction.
How do you treat abdominal tears?
Alternate between applying an ice pack and warm compresses to the injured area. Meet with a physical therapist to learn stretching and strengthening exercises. Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to ease pain and inflammation. Wear an abdominal brace to support the stomach muscles and minimize swelling.
How long does it take for abdominal tear to heal?
A mild strain may heal within a few weeks. A more severe strain may take 6 weeks or longer.
What is the medicine for abdominal pain?
For cramping from diarrhea, medicines that have loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate or Pepto-Bismol) might make you feel better. For other types of pain, acetaminophen (Aspirin Free Anacin, Liquiprin, Panadol, Tylenol) might be helpful.
What does an abdominal tear feel like?
A pulled abdominal muscle can make the abdomen feel sore and tender, especially during movement. If people have pulled a muscle, they may notice the following symptoms in and around the abdomen: soreness or tenderness. pain or discomfort when touching the abdomen.
Can a muscle tear heal on its own?
Most muscle strains do not require surgery, and a full recovery is expected. If there is a partial tear then the athlete can return when they are pain free and have normal strength and motion. This usually occurs following anywhere from a few weeks to a few months of appropriate treatment and therapy.
Which antibiotic is best for stomach pain?
Ampicillin is recommended for drug-sensitive strains. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, fluoroquinolones,* or third-generation cephalosporins (fluoroquinolones are not recommended for use in children) are also acceptable alternatives.
What are the three types of abdominal pain?
There are three main types of abdominal pain: visceral, parietal, and referred pain.
What are the four types of abdominal pain?
There are four types of abdominal pain: upper, lower, right-sided and left-sided. Each type has specific symptoms and causes, and all are discussed below.
What to do if you have a muscle tear in your abdomen?
Typically this involves rest, ice and compression, meant to protect the muscle from further injury and reduce pain and swelling.
How to treat a swollen abdominal muscle?
Ice: Apply an ice pack for 20 minutes at a time every hour or four to eight times per day . Ice reduces blood flow to the injury site to control swelling and pain.
How long does it take for a torn abdominal muscle to heal?
Torn abdominal muscles take at least two months to heal. Image Credit: fizkes/iStock/GettyImages. Severe muscle strains in which the abdominal muscles tear — either partially or completely — are no laughing matter.
Why does my abdominal muscle tear?
Abdominal muscle strain occurs when the muscle fibers become overstretched, sometimes to the point of tearing. Typically, the cause is an acute injury, such as a sudden twisting movement, picking up a heavy item or exercising too intensely.
Why are my abdominal tears stubborn?
Abdominal tears can be stubborn because of their location. Your abdominals are part of your core — the center of your body — and they are active in everything you do. Modify your movements and ask for help when you need to carry or move something.
What is the best exercise to do to get rid of a torso?
Isometric exercises are a good place to start because they do not require any movement of the torso. One such exercise is the abdominal drawing-in maneuver. To do this exercise:
Can a grade 1 strain be treated at home?
Grade I strains can usually be treated at home and do not require medical attention. Grade II strains are moderate, affecting more muscle fibers that may be overstretched or partially torn. They will cause more pain, tenderness and swelling, and they may also cause muscle weakness.
Why is abdominal muscle strain so common?
By Terry Zeigler, EdD, ATC A abdominal muscle strain is fairly common in athletes and active populations because this group of the pulled abdominal muscle is constantly engaged to keep the athlete’s core tight so that the athlete can perform and execute skills using his/her extremities and/or total body. Strong and healthy abdominal muscles only ...
What happens if you tear a fiber?
The athlete may experience sudden abdominal pain, marked tenderness, localized swelling, and discoloration. Any and all movements of the athlete may be painful with the athlete guarded in his/her movements.
How do athletes prevent muscle strains?
Athletes can prevent abdominal muscle strains by maintaining the flexibility of their trunk and increasing the strength of their core muscles. The good thing is that many sports programs already include core strength training exercises as part of their conditioning program.
What are the symptoms of a second degree muscle strain?
Along with the symptoms of a second degree muscle strain, the athlete may also experience the symptoms of shock including nausea, vomiting, pale skin, excess perspiration, difficulty breathing, and a shallow and rapid heart rate.
What sports are more susceptible to abdominal strain?
They are usually acute (traumatic) injuries seen in athletes in the sports of baseball, softball, basketball, gymnastics, and track and field.
Can new collagen tissue be torn from its attachment and restart the bleeding and swelling process?
New collagen tissue can be torn from its attachment and restart the bleeding and swelling process. Isometric muscle exercises – Can be safely performed early in the rehabilitation process because they are designed to contract a muscle without allowing any movement of the associated joints.
Is resting difficult with abdominal strain?
Rest is another component of the P.R.I.C.E. principle but is a little more difficult with an abdominal strain. Injuries to the arms or legs can easily be protected and rested through the use of crutches, slings, or braces. However, splinting the trunk of the body is not such an easy task.
How to stop stomach pain?
You also can do things to make stomach pain less likely. It can help to: 1 Eat several smaller meals instead of three big ones 2 Chew your food slowly and well 3 Stay away from foods that bother you (spicy or fried foods, for example) 4 Ease stress with exercise, meditation, or yoga
How to get rid of belly pain?
Chew your food slowly and well. Stay away from foods that bother you (spicy or fried foods, for example) Ease stress with exercise, meditation, or yoga. 3. When to See a Doctor. It's time to get medical help if: You have severe belly pain or the pain lasts several days.
What is the best medicine for gas pain?
For gas pain, medicine that has the ingredient simethicone (Mylanta, Gas-X) can help get rid of it. For heartburn from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), try an antacid or acid reducer (Pepcid AC, Zantac 75). For constipation, a mild stool softener or laxative may help get things moving again.
How long does it take for a stomach pain to go away?
You have severe belly pain or the pain lasts several days. You have nausea and fever and can't keep food down for several days. You have bloody stools. It hurts to pee. You have blood in your urine. You cannot pass stools, especially if you're also vomiting.
How to get rid of gas in stomach?
Home Remedies. You might try a heating pad to ease belly pain. Chamomile or peppermint tea may help with gas. Be sure to drink plenty of clear fluids so your body has enough water. You also can do things to make stomach pain less likely. It can help to: Eat several smaller meals instead of three big ones.
What is the best medicine for diarrhea cramps?
For cramping from diarrhea, medicines that have loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate or Pepto-Bismol) might make you feel better. For other types of pain, acetaminophen ( Aspirin Free Anacin, Liquiprin, Panadol, Tylenol) might be helpful.
How to treat an abdominal muscle injury?
That said, the most important step after you sustain an abdominal muscle strain is to allow the muscle to cool down so that the inflammation can subside. Avoiding exercise to allow the injured muscle ...
What is pulled abdominal muscle?
An abdominal muscle strain, also called a pulled abdominal muscle, is an injury to one of the muscles of the abdominal wall. A muscle strain occurs when the muscle is stretched too far. When this occurs the muscle fibers are torn. Most commonly, a strain causes microscopic tears within the muscle. Occasionally, in severe injuries, ...
How to heal a muscle after a sprain?
Apply ice to the injured area in the acute phase (the first 48 hours after injury), and then after activities. Before activities, gentle heat can help to loosen the muscle. One the injury is fully healed, you can avoid reoccurrence by practicing some common-sense preventive tips.
What is abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain is pain that occurs between the chest and pelvic regions. Abdominal pain can be crampy, achy, dull, intermittent or sharp. It’s also called a stomachache. Inflammation or diseases that affect the organs in the abdomen can cause abdominal pain. Major organs located in the abdomen include:
What is the pain in the abdomen?
Abdominal pain can be described as localized, cramp-like, or colicky. Localized pain is limited to one area of the abdomen. This type of pain is often caused by problems in a particular organ. The most common cause of localized pain is stomach ulcers (open sores on the inner lining of the stomach).
How to diagnose abdominal pain?
The cause of abdominal pain can be diagnosed through a series of tests. Before ordering tests, your doctor will do a physical examination. This includes gently pressing on various areas of your abdomen to check for tenderness and swelling.
Why does colicky pain go away?
This pain comes and goes, and may go away on its own without treatment. Colicky pain is a symptom of more severe conditions, such as gallstones or kidney stones.
What causes pain in the lower abdomen?
ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that occurs outside the womb) In women, pain in the reproductive organs of the lower abdomen can be caused by: severe menstrual pain (called dysmenorrhea) ovarian cysts. miscarriage. fibroids. endometriosis. pelvic inflammatory disease. ectopic pregnancy.
What tests are used to diagnose abdominal pain?
Imaging tests, such as MRI scans, ultrasounds, and X-rays, are used to view organs, tissues, and other structures in the abdomen in detail.
What is the upper GI test?
upper GI (a special X-ray test that uses contrast dye to check for the presence of growths, ulcers, inflammation, blockages, and other abnormalities in the stomach) Blood, urine, and stool samples may also be collected to look for evidence of bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections.
How long does abdominal pain last?
Chronic abdominal pain may be intermittent (episodic), meaning it may come and go. This type of pain may be present for weeks to months, or even years. Some chronic conditions cause progressive pain, which steadily gets worse over time.
What causes abdominal pain?
Causes of progressive abdominal pain include: Cancer. Crohn's disease (a type of inflammatory bowel disease) Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) Gallbladder cancer. Hepatitis.
Is abdominal pain episodic or chronic?
Chronic (intermittent, or episodic) The specific cause of chronic abdominal pain is often difficult to determine. Symptoms may range from mild to severe, coming and going but not necessarily worsening over time.
What to do if your stomach hurts?
Foods, natural remedies, and OTC treatments for certain causes of abdominal pain. If you aren’t sure if you need to seek medical advice for belly pain, contact your doctor or other health care professional before using any home remedies. Common home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines include: Eat less food.
How to relieve pain from IBS?
The pain of IBS and constipation often is relieved temporarily by bowel movements and may be associated with changes in bowel habits. Pain due to obstruction of the stomach or upper small intestine may be relieved temporarily by vomiting which reduces the distention that is caused by the obstruction.
What causes pain in the lower right quadrant?
Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. Appendicitis often causes sings and symptoms such as abdominal pain in the lower right quadrant, nausea, vomiting, abdominal tenderness, fever, and loss of appetite.
Where is the pain of appendicitis located?
Symptoms may be atypical. For example, the pain of appendicitis sometimes is located in the right upper abdomen and diverticulitis on the right side. Elderly patients and those taking corticosteroids may have little or no pain and tenderness when there is inflammation, for example, with cholecystitis or diverticulitis.
How long does it take for abdominal pain to go away?
Some doctors suggest that if you have a "less serious" cause of abdominal pain you likely won’t need to see a doctor if the symptoms resolve in about 24 to 48 hours. For example, if you have viral or bacterial food poisoning, have had discomfort, but aren’t dehydrated.
Where does pancreatitis pain start?
The pain of acute appendicitis initially may start near the umbilicus, but as the inflammation progresses, it moves to the right lower abdomen. The character of pain may change over time.
Where is abdominal pain felt?
Abdominal pain is felt in the abdomen. The abdomen is an anatomical area that is bounded by the lower margin of the ribs and diaphragm above, the pelvic bone (pubic ramus) below, and the flanks on each side. Although pain can arise from the tissues of the abdominal wall that surround the abdominal cavity (such as the skin and muscles), ...
How to treat acute abdominal pain?
You may need any of the following: Medicines may be given to decrease pain, treat an infection, and manage your symptoms, such as constipation. Surgery may be needed to treat a serious cause of abdominal pain.
How to help abdominal pain?
Stress may cause abdominal pain. Your healthcare provider may recommend relaxation techniques and deep breathing exercises to help decrease your stress. Your healthcare provider may recommend you talk to someone about your stress or anxiety, such as a counselor or a trusted friend. Get plenty of sleep and exercise regularly.
What causes abdominal pain?
What are serious causes of acute abdominal pain? Inflammation or rupture of your appendix. Swelling or an infection in your abdomen or organ. A blockage in your bowels. An ulcer or a tear in your esophagus, stomach, or intestines. Bleeding in your abdomen or an organ. Stones in your kidney or gallbladder.
How to reduce muscle spasms?
Heat helps decrease pain and muscle spasms. Make changes to the food you eat as directed. Do not eat foods that cause abdominal pain or other symptoms. Eat small meals more often. Eat more high-fiber foods if you are constipated. High-fiber foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain foods, and legumes.
Does alcohol make your stomach hurt?
Alcohol can make your abdominal pain worse. Ask your healthcare provider if it is safe for you to drink alcohol. Also ask how much is safe for you to drink. Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes can damage your esophagus and stomach.
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- Athletes can prevent abdominal strains by maintaining the flexibility of their trunk and increasing the strength of their core muscles. The good thing is that many sports programs already include core strength training exercises as part of their conditioning program.
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