The case of Diastasis

Diastasis has two different meanings in reference to pathology and physiology. In pathology diastasis basically means separation of body parts that are joined together. This can be clearly explained with the help of some examples, like the separation of two adjacent bones without fracture or separation of abdominal muscles in females during pregnancy. In physiology diastasis refers to the middle stage of diastole during a heartbeat cycle. Normally when we talk about diastasis, we refer to its pathological meaning rather than its physiological meaning.

Do you have Diastasis?

If we talk about diastasis in slightly more medical terms, then it refers to the separation of the rectus abdominis muscle in the middle of our stomach during pregnancy. It is pretty easy to check whether you have diastasis or not. You have to bend your knees and lie on your back. If you start to faint, then roll down to your left side and insert pillows below your shoulders. Once you have done this, you have to place your fingers two inches bellow your belly in the direction of your feet. Now raise your head as much as possible and if a protruding ridge is visible in the middle of your abdomen, then that’s diastasis. If you are suffering from diastasis then it is extremely important to understand that you do not exaggerate the separation while performing abdominal exercises. Normal crunches should be avoided and modified crunches should be performed. In order to perform a modified crunch, place pillows under your shoulders and wrap a towel across your waist. Now grasp the towel and pull the ends up so that your abdominal muscles contract. While doing this exhale and do not raise your shoulders but at the same time raise your head.

Symptoms of Diastasis

There are three of four major symptoms of diastasis and we will discuss them now. The first and most important symptom is when a female is repeatedly asked whether she is pregnant and in reality she is not. Another symptom is an outline belly button which occurs due to diastasis recti. People suffering from diastasis also suffer from back problems as the connective tissue isn’t able to provide you the proper back support. The last and major symptom is having gastrointestinal problems. This happens because the muscles no longer support the intestines which are now supported by the connective tissue.

Understanding Diastasis Recti

Understanding Diastasis Recti is extremely important as it is a major disorder related to our rectus abdominis muscle. It is also known as abdominal separation and in this the rectus abdominis muscle gets divided into two halves i.e. right and left. In normal circumstances the two parallel rectus abdominis muscles are connected to each other via the linea alba. However in Diastasis Recti the two muscles get separated, but it is a cosmetic condition and no dangers are associated with it. Normally the patient can live with this disorder without any major side affects, however if this problem gets coupled with hernia then it needs to be treated immediately.

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