Abdominal Injuries

Abdominal Anatomy

The abdomen is the space between the chest and the pelvis

The abdomen contains the kidney, spleen and all of the digestive organs Stomach, small and large

intestines, pancreas, liver and gallbladder

Abdominal Anatomy

The diaphragm is a muscle that forms the upper surface of the abdomen

The pelvic bones form the lower region of the abdomen

There are 4 muscle groups within the abdominal cavity: Transverse Abdominus, Rectus Abdominus, Internal Oblique's and External Oblique's

Abdominal Anatomy

Did you know…Most injuries to the chest/abdominal

area are the result of a direct blow and are usually superficial. However, because the chest and abdominal cavity house the heart, lungs and other vital organs, injuries to this area can be life-threatening.

Blow to the Solar PlexusMost common intra-abdominal injury

Commonly known as having the “wind knocked out”

Network of nerves located in the upper middle region of the abdomen

Blow to this area can cause temporary paralysis to the diaphragm

Blow to the Solar Plexus – Signs and Symptoms

Individuals may become very anxious because of the perceived inability to breathe

Injury is usually short in duration

Blow to the Solar Plexus - Treatment

Condition responds to a few minutes of rest and reassurance

Comfort individual, loosen belts and any constricting clothing

If complete recovery does not occur within minutes or if pain, tenderness or signs of shock appear there may be an intra-abdominal injury – take individual to hospital immediately

Side Stitches

Pain that occurs just under the rib cage – usually on the right side

Occurs during vigorous exercise

Seem to occur more commonly in beginning exercisers

Side Stitches – Treatment

Many theories on how to alleviate

Stretching

Altering breathing patterns

Walk briskly instead of running

What works for one person may not work for another

Side Stitches – Prevention

Do a gradual warm up

Take deep full breaths while running

Drink plenty of water

Avoid eating 1 hour prior to running

Exercise – Induced Asthma

Airway narrowing is a result of increased physical activity

Can occur during or after exercise

Can occur in people that do not have chronic asthma – exercise is the only cause for asthma

Exercise – Induced AsthmaSigns and Symptoms

Coughing

Wheezing

Dyspnea (difficulty breathing)

Chest Tightness

Exercise – Induced Asthma - Treatment

An inhaler should be carried with anyone who has been diagnosed

If asthma symptoms are well controlled exercise-induced asthma should not limit performance

Rib ContusionsBruising of the intercostal muscles by a

direct blow to the ribs

Can possibly damage the soft tissue surrounding the ribs

Common in contact sports such as football, rugby, soccer, wrestling and basketball

Rib Contusions – Signs and symptoms

Tenderness and pain when the chest is palpated (touched)

Sharp pain while breathing

Rib Contusions – Treatment

Immediately following the injury apply ice for 20 minutes every 3-4 hours

Monitor the individuals for signs of a more serious injury

Rib FracturesBreak in the bony structure of the thorax

The ribs have a certain amount of movement for respiration so the amount of force needed to fracture a rib is pretty significant

Fairly common in collisions sports such as football, wrestling and soccer

Rib FracturesFractures on three or more

consecutive ribs on the same side of the chest creates a condition known as flail chest

Flail chest does not allow normal inhalation and exhalation of the lungs

Rib Fractures – Signs and Symptoms

Severe pain during breathing – rapid shallow breathing

Pain and tenderness when touched

Crepitus may occur – grating feeling produced by fractured bone ends rubbing together

Rib Fractures – Treatment

Immediate medical attention must be sought

Jagged edges of the rib could potentially puncture lungs or heart

Support the fracture site with a pillow to help manage pain

Rib Fractures – Treatment

In most cases broken ribs heal on their own in 1-2 months

Pain management is key to allow regular respiration to prevent pneumonia from occurring

Diastasis Recti

Separation of the rectus abdominus during pregnancy

Increased risk of occurring if: Older than 35 Have multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets, etc.) Have a baby with a high birth weight Repeated pregnancies

Diastasis Recti – Signs and Symptoms

May cause a bulge in the middle of the abdomen where the two halves of the Rectus Abdominus come together

Causes weak abdominal muscles – may lead to lower back pain

May have difficulty lifting heavy objects or performing daily activities

Diastasis Recti – Treatment

Typically the condition will heal on it’s own – takes about 6 months

Depending on the degree of separation surgery may be needed

Avoid traditional sit-ups as this can put increased pressure on the muscles and worsen the condition

Prenatal Exercise

Read the following article (click on hyperlink) Write a 300 word summary of the article (can be

written or typed Create 3 questions for a class discussion (print a

copy of the article if you want to refer to it during the class discussion)

Prenatal Exercises