Abdominal Diastasis
Abdominal diastasis is a condition in which the rectus abdominis muscles separate along the midline of the abdomen, called the linea alba, made of connective tissue that can widen or weaken.
CAUSES
It can occur in men or women due to obesity; however, it is also quite common in women after pregnancy, in both cases because of the pressure exerted on the growing abdomen.
SYMPTOMS
The main symptom of abdominal diastasis is a bulging of the abdomen, as if there were a "balloon" inside.
Symptoms worsen when coughing, laughing, or lifting a weight.
There may also be lower back pain, poor posture, and hernias.
COMPLICATIONS
Abdominal diastasis can have a significant impact on the life of those who suffer from it, physically, emotionally, and functionally.
- Physical appearance and emotions: It can negatively affect self-esteem and body image.
- Pain and discomfort: since the abdominal muscles play an important role in supporting the spine, their weakness can lead to poor posture with lower back pain.
- Functional complications: these occur when part of the intestine or fatty tissue pushes through a weak point in the abdominal muscles, causing pain and possible complications (hernias).
- Digestive problems: digestive issues such as constipation or bloating may be felt.
- Incontinence: abdominal diastasis may interfere with normal bladder and bowel control.
Treating abdominal diastasis is important not only for appearance but also to prevent or ease physical problems, improving quality of life.