The Best Way to Treat a Pulled Muscle in the Abdomen

During strenuous exercise or other forceful activities such as heavy lifting or even a hard sneeze, it is possible to injure yourself by stretching or tearing your abdominal muscles. This type of injury is commonly referred to as a strained or pulled muscle. This condition causes significant muscle pain in the stomach area. Treating the condition properly will reduce the level and duration of the pain.

Rest and Ice

• Purchase a reusable ice pack or make an ice pack by placing ice into a plastic bag and wrapping the bag in a washcloth or towel. Place the ice pack on the injured area for a half hour immediately following the injury. Repeat the application every three to four hours for a few days until the pain subsides, according to the University of Michigan Health System.

  After 48 hours have passed, alternate ice therapy with the use of a heating pad to relieve pain, according to MDGuidelines.com.

  Do not use your muscles any more than absolutely necessary to avoid further injury and increased pain. Rest as much as possible and wrap your abdomen with an elastic bandage to restrict movement.

Anti-Inflammatory Medication

• Ask your physician about anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling and pain in the pulled muscle. Doctors often prescribe Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pulled muscles.

  Take only the prescribed dosage of NSAIDs. This class of drugs includes ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin available in over-the-counter form. Daypro, Naprosyn and other more potent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are available by prescription only.

  Do not take NSAIDs for more than seven consecutive days if you are over the age of 65, according to the University of Michigan Health System.

Return To Activity

• If your injury appears to be healing without the need for major medical attention, you should return to normal activities gradually as your pain decreases. Avoid any heavy lifting, twisting or stretching of your abdomen or it may slow the healing process and cause more pain.

Abdominal Hernia

• If the painful area in your abdomen bulges out, you may have an abdominal hernia. Hernias occur when the muscle tears and part of the abdominal contents, such as the intestines, pushes through the torn muscle, according to the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES).

  Imagine that a tire is torn and the tube inside pushes its way to the outside. This is basically what happens during an abdominal hernia. This type of injury may require surgery to repair.

  See a doctor immediately if you notice a bulge near the painful area in your abdomen. If you require surgery, the surgeon will repair the torn muscle and “patch” the abdominal wall to allow you a quicker recovery.