Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Abdominal Strain
Question: I've been plagued by anxiety for years. Over the last few months it's really impacted my health negatively. For example, I developed TMJ last month in part because of the anxiety.
The TMJ has really impacted my diet. I’ve shifted to soft foods, but can’t always tolerate even those. Since it’s often tough for me to eat enough, I’m concerned about losing weight. I’m skinny, so losing weight isn’t a good idea.
Today after finishing lunch, my anxiety about losing weight caused me to rapidly grip my small belly with both hands. I was not gentle. Shortly after that my abdomen from the bottom of the rib cage to around the belly button really tightened up, so much so that I couldn’t breathe normally. I wouldn’t say cramps or spasms, just tightness.
It’s now been 4 hours since the incident. I’ve felt some mild pain during that time, but not much. It’s not tender when I probe gently. I don’t see any swelling or discoloration. It’s still tight, though better than right after the gripping incident. The tightness makes it hard to breathe deeply and affects my voice.
I iced it once soon after lunch, but haven’t treated it in any other way.
I’m wondering if I actually strained my abdominal muscles. Thoughts?
I’m also concerned that even if I didn’t really injure the area, I’ve kind of set it up for potential injury. I don’t have a very strong core, which probably made me more susceptible to hurting my abdomen.
If it is an abdominal strain, how should I care for this problem, besides seeing a doctor?
Thanks for your help.
The TMJ has really impacted my diet. I’ve shifted to soft foods, but can’t always tolerate even those. Since it’s often tough for me to eat enough, I’m concerned about losing weight. I’m skinny, so losing weight isn’t a good idea.
Today after finishing lunch, my anxiety about losing weight caused me to rapidly grip my small belly with both hands. I was not gentle. Shortly after that my abdomen from the bottom of the rib cage to around the belly button really tightened up, so much so that I couldn’t breathe normally. I wouldn’t say cramps or spasms, just tightness.
It’s now been 4 hours since the incident. I’ve felt some mild pain during that time, but not much. It’s not tender when I probe gently. I don’t see any swelling or discoloration. It’s still tight, though better than right after the gripping incident. The tightness makes it hard to breathe deeply and affects my voice.
I iced it once soon after lunch, but haven’t treated it in any other way.
I’m wondering if I actually strained my abdominal muscles. Thoughts?
I’m also concerned that even if I didn’t really injure the area, I’ve kind of set it up for potential injury. I don’t have a very strong core, which probably made me more susceptible to hurting my abdomen.
If it is an abdominal strain, how should I care for this problem, besides seeing a doctor?
Thanks for your help.
Brief Answer:
It will likely be better soon - probably in next couple of days.
Detailed Answer:
Since it's not too tender when you probe, and there is no swelling or bruising, it is probably a mild injury that will resolve soon, such as in the next couple of days. The abdominal wall is made up of muscle, protective fat layer (even when you are thin), and connective tissue (fascia). It is probably sore and tight and mildly inflamed similar to if you were to take your fingers and pinch a hunk of tissue on your arm. I doubt that you did yourself much damage.
Although ice is usually a good bet for inflamed or irritated things, I wouldn't use it further on the abdomen because putting it on your abdomen might lead to intestinal cramps.
For right now I'd leave it be and my guess is that it will feel less tight tomorrow.
About the anxiety that has led to TMJ - have you considered treatment for this? There are medications such as alprazolam and lorazepam that can be used as needed, but if your anxiety is an ongoing thing, I would recommend medication of the antidepressant/antianxiety type such as SSRIs. These will help to prevent the anxiety in the first place. They take a few weeks to kick in. The SSRI with the best (fewest) side effect profile is escitalopram (brand Lexapro) and people often feel better as early as 2 weeks on it. If you are sensitive to meds but want to consider taking this, make sure your doctor starts you out on as low a dose as possible.
I hope this information helps.
It will likely be better soon - probably in next couple of days.
Detailed Answer:
Since it's not too tender when you probe, and there is no swelling or bruising, it is probably a mild injury that will resolve soon, such as in the next couple of days. The abdominal wall is made up of muscle, protective fat layer (even when you are thin), and connective tissue (fascia). It is probably sore and tight and mildly inflamed similar to if you were to take your fingers and pinch a hunk of tissue on your arm. I doubt that you did yourself much damage.
Although ice is usually a good bet for inflamed or irritated things, I wouldn't use it further on the abdomen because putting it on your abdomen might lead to intestinal cramps.
For right now I'd leave it be and my guess is that it will feel less tight tomorrow.
About the anxiety that has led to TMJ - have you considered treatment for this? There are medications such as alprazolam and lorazepam that can be used as needed, but if your anxiety is an ongoing thing, I would recommend medication of the antidepressant/antianxiety type such as SSRIs. These will help to prevent the anxiety in the first place. They take a few weeks to kick in. The SSRI with the best (fewest) side effect profile is escitalopram (brand Lexapro) and people often feel better as early as 2 weeks on it. If you are sensitive to meds but want to consider taking this, make sure your doctor starts you out on as low a dose as possible.
I hope this information helps.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
