Diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscle today belongs to the category of very common phenomena. It arises as a result of various reasons. As a rule, a divergence of the rectus abdominis muscles is observed in its upper half.
The midline of the peritoneum (white line) is the junction of the tendons. Despite the presence of a connective tissue structure of the tendon center of the muscles, the midline is characterized as one of the weakest sections of the anterior wall of the peritoneum. Diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscle leads to the formation of expansion in the midline.
Depending on the size, the extension can be classified into the first (up to five centimeters), the second (up to seven centimeters) and the third degree (from eight or more centimeters). Determining the degree of expansion is fundamental in determining the method of treatment and predicting the disease.
Diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles may be associated with increased pressure inside the peritoneum. This condition is the result of "straining" (with coughing, constipation) or raising the shoulder girdle and head during exercise on the press. Other causes include weight lifting. In some cases, diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles occurs during rising from a horizontal position. In many cases, expansion is due to general weakness in the connective tissue. This condition is based on the presence of varicose veins, flat feet, excessive articular mobility, hernias of different localization. Of course, muscle expansion is also a consequence of pregnancy. In the prenatal period, abdominal exercises are contraindicated . They are not recommended for several months after delivery or cesarean section. During pregnancy, weight control is of great importance in the prevention of diastasis. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe the use of special bandages. As a rule, they are recommended from the twenty-fifth week. For pregnant women develop special exercises aimed at maintaining muscle.
Expansion in the supine position is revealed when raising the head. Thus, the presence of a soft elongated roller is determined. A painless longitudinal hollow is palpated between the muscles of the fingers. It should be noted that the expansion is not considered a hernia and does not provoke an infringement of internal organs. Diastasis of the abdominal muscles is not a violation of the integrity in the connective tissue. The initial stages of the condition, as a rule, do not belong to the disease. However, they require immediate intervention. More advanced cases are characterized by the presence of discomfort and severity, difficulty walking. In some cases, pains appearing after a fairly intense load are characteristic.
Diastasis is often combined with lipomas or umbilical hernias.
The method of treating enlargement can be conservative or surgical.
The elimination of diastasis using the surgical method is determined by the transience and progression of the disease. In advanced cases, omission of organs located inside the peritoneum can be observed. In addition, the development of expansion increases the likelihood of muscle atrophy, stretching of the aponeurosis.
In the preoperative period, wearing special dressings or bandages may be prescribed. It should be noted the inappropriateness of self-medication. To effectively get rid of the symptoms of the disease, first of all, competent diagnosis is necessary.
The operation to eliminate diastasis is the most effective method of therapy.
To avoid complications, abdominal exercises after surgery are contraindicated.
To strengthen the muscles of the abdomen, the doctor prescribes a special gymnastic complex.