Diastasis Recti is a very common abdominal injury that can occur in both men and women. Many people with diastasis recti do not realize they have it. Many cases are undetected because their symptoms are not apparent. Although some cases are not very serious, it is important to understand what diastasis recti is and what the symptoms are in order to maintain your physical health and restore your body to its full function.
What is Diastasis Recti
A diastasis recti is a lack of appropriate tension in the connective tissue (linea alba) which lies between the rectus abdominis muscles (6-pack). The lack of tension can sometimes create a separation or gap between the halves. This separation can occur anywhere along your core: from your pubic bone up to the base of your rib cage. Where one would normally feel closure tension of the abdominal muscles during a sit-up, there is now a gap.
Your core muscles help support your digestive organs, yet, with diastasis recti, your digestive organs are left unsupported which can result in digestive symptoms like bloating, especially in the evening time.
Without functional core support, your organs and pelvic floor are left unsupported. If untreated, a diastasis recti can become worse and can, in turn, cause prolapse, incontinence, and back pain.
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Common Diastasis Recti Symptoms
One of the most common symptoms of rectus abdominis separation is the bulging, doming, or “coning” of the abdomen during core exercises. Many symptoms that occur with diastasis recti can appear to be akin to that of a hernia.
The most common diastasis recti symptoms are:
- Distended abdomen
- Bloating or abdominal bloat
- Insecure pubic region, pelvic diaphragm, and rectus abdominis muscles
- Incontinence or urinary leakage
- Abdominal separation
- Lumbar spine pain
- Poor posture
- Constipation
Why Does My Stomach Bulge in the Middle?
A stomach bulge is one of the primary symptoms you may notice if you have a diastasis recti. The connective tissues (linea alba) and the abdominal muscles (rectus abdominis) stretch and separate leaving the abdominals unsupported. The bulge is a result of the weakened state of the core and is typically more noticeable during ab contracting exercises like a sit-up or crunch. At times, due to the expansion of the core, the bulge can be noticeable while at rest.
Can Diastasis Recti Cause Bowel Problems?
One question I receive all the time on my free Restore Your Core Facebook group is “can a diastasis recti cause my digestive issues?” Oftentimes, the answer is surprisingly, yes. When the linea alba is compromised, some of your basic bodily functions can also be compromised. Your core system of muscles plays an important role in compressing the digestive system and a huge majority of women find that their digestion changes with a diastasis recti. Many people are surprised to find that their digestive issues resolve once their DR has healed or become more functional. However, this doesn’t happen for everyone.
Can Diastasis Recti Cause Stomach Pain?
Stomach pain from diastasis recti can be a result of the weakened core muscles and stretched linea alba. In some cases it could be linked to digestive issues that may be caused by the separation. If you are still experiencing digestive issues like bloating or constipation after diastasis recti rehab, I recommend talking with a dietician to help you figure out what else is going on.
Can Diastasis Recti Cause Weight Gain?
Typically a diastasis recti will not cause weight gain. However, rapid changes in your weight (whether it be weight gain or weight loss) can greatly affect the strength of your core. As in pregnancy, the vast changes your body goes through as your child grows inside of you adds pressure to the linea alba and the rectus abdominis muscles. Your body compensates the growth of your uterus by stretching the connective tissues which causes ab separation.
The Causes of Diastasis Recti
There are many reasons why a diastasis recti may present itself. Some of the most common causes are weightlifting injuries or pregnancy. However, other causes may include: rapid changes in weight, improper breathing mechanics, underlying illness, or obesity. Although these are more common and can have painful symptoms, often people can have abdominal separation without noticing it. Having a toned and slim core does not always imply healthy connective tissues or muscles. Many athletes and bodybuilders have a diastasis without knowing it.
Complications
There are times when rehab does not fully mend diastasis recti. Surgery, however, should be your last resort when facing diastasis recti. DR surgery is a serious surgery and should not be taken lightly or quickly considered. A diastasis recti surgery is commonly called a “tummy tuck” or an abdominoplasty. Each surgery is going to be unique to the person’s body type and the severity of their diastasis recti.
Things to Avoid
There are several everyday exercises and movements that those with a diastasis recti should avoid. You want to avoid any exercises that put extra stress on the midline. These can stretch or expand the abdominal wall and can lead to the condition worsening.
Avoid doing the following:
- Yoga poses or stretching routines that stretch the abs
- Most crunches
- Full push-ups
- Any exercises that cause your abdominal wall to bulge
Remember that healing will look different for each person. The time it takes to heal depends on the severity of the injury to the linea alba and connective tissues. Yet, you should be hopeful knowing it takes time! For some people it can take years to properly heal and to restore full function, but healing is possible.
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How to Treat Diastasis Recti
The answer to this question varies from person to person. It’s important to distinguish between appearance and function when it comes to treating a diastasis recti: it’s possible to have significant amounts of body fat while also having a functional core. Having a flat belly does not mean having a functional core. Treating a diastasis recti should be focused on functional rehab and not getting you a “flat belly.” Function over form!
Many of my clients have completed my Restore Your Core program while still having a belly pooch, yet they have a functional core. Connective tissue heals slowly and each body heals differently. There is no universal way or magic trick to the way healing works. Although the success rate of a diastasis recti healing is high, it still takes time and dedication. Rehab is the best option for strengthening your core and regaining core function while also addressing any difficult symptoms you are experiencing. Below are a few rehabilitation exercises I cover in my program.
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