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 Plexus Most 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 Asthma Signs 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 Contusions Bruising 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 Fractures Break 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 Fractures Fractures 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 Prenatal Exercises 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