Abdominal Muscles

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The abdominal muscles are made up of five main muscles: External obliques, Internal obliques, Pyramidalis, Rectus abdominis, Transversus abdominis.

These muscles form the abdominal wall between the bony ribs and the pelvis. They provide structure and strength to the front and sides of your abdomen.

The abdominal muscles work together to protect the internal organs (viscera) by covering them completely. During exercise, the expiratory muscles play an active role in breathing. During inspiration, while the rib cage muscles contract, the abdominal muscles gradually relax, and vice versa during expiration.

Symptoms of an abdominal strain can include:

• Tender and inflamed stomach area
• Sudden sharp pain
• More likely to feel these sensations when you're contracting your abdominal muscles and moving

To protect and rest the abdominal muscles, you may need to limit your activities for a few days until the pain decreases. You may also choose to wear a stomach compression pad.