What does a torn stomach muscle feel like?

Answered by Robert Dupre

A torn stomach muscle, also known as a pulled abdominal muscle, can be quite painful and uncomfortable. When you have a pulled muscle in your abdomen, you may experience several symptoms. I will explain them in detail to give you a better understanding of what it feels like.

One of the most common symptoms of a torn stomach muscle is soreness or tenderness in the affected area. This means that when you touch or apply pressure to your abdomen, it may feel sensitive and painful. The level of soreness can vary depending on the severity of the muscle tear.

In addition to soreness, you may also experience pain or discomfort when touching your abdomen. This pain can be sharp or dull and may worsen with movement or certain activities. It is important to note that the pain may be localized to the area where the muscle is torn, but it can also radiate to other parts of the abdomen.

Movement can exacerbate the pain and discomfort associated with a torn stomach muscle. Activities such as bending, twisting, or lifting heavy objects may cause increased pain. Even simple actions like coughing, sneezing, or laughing can be painful due to the strain placed on the injured muscle.

Sometimes, a torn stomach muscle can also cause muscle spasms. These involuntary contractions of the muscle can be quite painful and may further restrict your movement and activities. Muscle spasms can be triggered by certain movements or even by simple breathing.

In some cases, a torn stomach muscle can lead to swelling or bruising in the affected area. Swelling occurs as a result of inflammation in the muscle tissue, and bruising may occur due to internal bleeding. These symptoms may not always be present, but if they are, they can contribute to the overall discomfort and pain experienced.

It is worth mentioning that the severity of the symptoms can vary from person to person. Some individuals may only experience mild discomfort, while others may have more intense pain and limited mobility. The recovery time can also vary depending on the extent of the muscle tear and how well it is managed.

In my personal experience, I once pulled a muscle in my abdomen while doing intense exercise. The pain was quite intense, and I found it difficult to move or perform any activities that required the use of my core muscles. Even coughing or sneezing was incredibly painful. I had to rest, apply ice to the affected area, and take over-the-counter pain medication to manage the discomfort. It took several weeks for the pain and soreness to subside completely.

To conclude, a torn stomach muscle can cause symptoms such as soreness, tenderness, pain with touch, discomfort during movement, muscle spasms, and possibly swelling or bruising. It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect a torn muscle in your abdomen to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.