Is it normal to have lower abdominal pain after doing planks?
Lower abdominal pain after planking may be caused by physiological factors, or it could result from pathological conditions such as gastroenteritis or abdominal muscle tear.
I. Physiological Factors
Pain may occur in individuals who rarely exercise and have a relatively low metabolic rate. After performing planks, excessive lactic acid may accumulate in the abdomen due to insufficient elimination, causing irritation and discomfort. This type of pain usually resolves with adequate rest and local heat application, which helps improve blood circulation and alleviate symptoms.
II. Pathological Factors
1. Gastroenteritis
Individuals with pre-existing gastroenteritis may experience increased intra-abdominal pressure during planking, which can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Under a doctor's guidance, anti-infective medications may be prescribed, including amoxicillin capsules, cefixime capsules, or cefuroxime axetil tablets.
2. Abdominal Muscle Tear
This condition may result from excessive load or overly intense exercise during planking, leading to abdominal muscle strain or tearing. For significant pain, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used for relief, such as celecoxib capsules, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, or acetaminophen tablets.
In addition, gastric ulcers may also cause similar symptoms. Patients are advised to seek timely treatment to prevent disease progression and complications.