5 Signs That You Should Consider Diastasis Recti Surgery

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It's estimated that 80% of women will experience some degree of diastasis recti at some point in their lives. And it can happen to anybody, whether you're a stay-at-home mom or an elite athlete.

With this condition, the abdominal muscles separate and push apart due to pregnancy and significant weight gain. If left untreated, diastasis recti can lead to serious health risks such as pain during sitting, breathing difficulties while lying down, or even leakage of stool with constipation.

The good news is there are plenty of ways to determine if you should go for diastasis recti surgery. Read on and find out.

Visible Ridge at the Point of Separation of the Abdominal Muscles

One of the most common symptoms that women experience is a visible ridge where the abdominal muscles separate. A bulge may form in this area as well. The degree to which this condition affects you may depend on your age because softening and weakening of your abdominal wall occur with age.

What you're looking for here is the abdominal muscles pushing apart at the midline. One way to figure it out is with your fingers: if you press two fingers between your split abs and can't slide them in, then that's a sign of diastasis recti. As a bonus, this will also indicate how severe the condition is.

Given that this condition affects so many women, it's good to see your doctor before beginning an exercise program to make sure you don't exacerbate the issue and worsen the effects. If you notice this kind of separation after giving birth or even after a significant weight gain, consider this a sign that diastasis recti surgery might be necessary.

Degeneration of the Rectus Abdominis Muscles

Another factor that may indicate you need diastasis recti surgery is when the abdominal wall muscles degenerate and shrink in size. Depending on the severity of your diastasis recti, you may be able to feel a difference between your two sides. One side of your abdomen might be pulled inwards and down, while the other side doesn't submit to that action. This is one sign you need surgery because it shows that the muscles have been stretched beyond their capacity to adapt and return to normal.

The good news is that having diastasis recti does not mean that you'll have a weak core later on in life. However, when the muscles degenerate and shrink in size, there's even more of a possibility that surgery will be needed to correct the condition. If you notice this kind of deformity in your midsection, then you should contact a doctor immediately.

Low Back Pain and Pelvic Instability

Yet another cause for concern is experiencing persistent low back pain or pelvic instability. Symptoms like this relate to how the abdominal muscles work as a support structure for the pelvic floor. When the abdominal muscles are weakened, your body will compensate with other surrounding muscles, leading to severe pelvic organ prolapse or incontinence problems.

Having diastasis recti can cause low back pain and pelvic instability. Having weak core muscles which are stretched beyond their capacity will most certainly lead to serious health concerns.

Urinary Incontinence

One of the most significant warning signs that your body is experiencing diastasis recti is urinary incontinence symptoms. This occurs when the abdominal pressure put on specific muscles causes them to lose their ability to keep urine from leaking out. If you frequently find yourself wetting yourself, whether through coughing, laughing, or even sneezing, you should consider seeing a doctor.

Bloating and Constipation

Bloating is one of the most common symptoms that women experience. This condition occurs when your body has an excess amount of gas in your digestive tract. It can happen for a variety of reasons but having diastasis recti is one of them. This occurs because the muscles separate, allowing gas to get trapped and build up in that area.

Constipation is a prevalent side effect of having diastasis recti. The abdominal pressure you place on your muscles causes them to lose their elasticity which causes complex bowel movements or the inability to pass gas or stool easily. Both of these conditions are signs that you should contact a doctor.

If you're experiencing any of these signs, please consult your doctor. Diastasis recti surgery can help to correct the problem and alleviate some or all of these issues. It may be time for a consultation with a physician if you are noticing one or more of the above signs that indicate diastasis recti is affecting your body in negative ways.