Risks of Rectus Abdominis Separation
Disease description:
After giving birth, I found that my rectus abdominis muscles have separated. What are the potential risks or complications associated with this condition?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Rectus diastasis is relatively common among pregnant and postpartum women. The potential risks associated with rectus diastasis mainly include:
1. Low back and lumbar pain: The rectus abdominis is an important muscle for maintaining trunk stability. Its separation weakens support for the spine, increasing the burden on the back and leading to pain.
2. Abdominal protrusion and postural abnormalities: Rectus diastasis causes loss of abdominal muscle tone, resulting in a bulging abdomen and affecting appearance. Long-term separation may also lead to postural abnormalities such as anterior pelvic tilt and spinal curvature.
3. Organ displacement and dysfunction: The gap caused by rectus diastasis cannot effectively hold internal organs in place, potentially leading to organ prolapse and subsequent functional impairments, such as bladder compression and urinary incontinence.
4. Difficulty in recovery: Without treatment, rectus diastasis may not resolve on its own and could worsen over time. Severe cases may require physical therapy or surgical repair.
