Expert: Dr. Brendon J. O`Brien, D.C. - 6/6/2006

Question
I beleive that I have injured my external abdominal oblique muscle on my right side. I
have been experiencing pain on my right flank for about 6 months now. I feel it on my
lower ribs, on the right side of my belly button, sometimes down near my hip bone,
extending right my lower ribs into my back (just below the hip bone but below the
ribcage) on my back. I have had an MRI done, but everything was normal. However, my
doctor said that injuries such as this do not always show up on an MRI. Is that correct?
Also, how far does the external abdominal oblique muscle extend into the back?
I am wondering why this injury is taking so long to heal. It has been 6-7 months now. Is
that normal? I'm wondering if I keep reinjuring it in some way, but I do not exercise much
at all anymore due to this, I only walk. Sometimes at a moderate to brisk pace though. I
notice the pain is worse when I sit at my desk. Perhaps this is prolonging it from healing?
I also notice the pain increase on an empty stomach while trying to remove a bowel as well.
Since this injury, I've been having severe muscle tightness in my back, on both sides while
I'm sitting, or standing for long periods at a time. I'm unsure how to stop this from happening
and I'm also unsure as to how to heal this injury. The external oblique muscles are in constant
use all the time. And I'm raising my right arm to reach for my headset, telephone, and to type
for work. A few days ago, I moved my telephone and headset to the left side of my desk, but I
am still needing to raise my right hand to use my mouse, and to type. Could this be hurting it
more? What can I do to heal this injury? How much time does it take to normally
heal? Perhaps soft tissue treatment, what exactly is that anyway? Thank you.

Answer
Hello Kristy,

   Yes, this is a difficult injury to diagnose.  A proper exam must be done to rule everything out.  You may want to see a doctor of chiropractic for a exam, they specialize in the biomechanics of the muscles, spine, all joints and function in the body.  You may have a slight tear/ sometimes called a sports hernia, this is when the abdominal tissue is torn but with no herniation of the intestines.  Treatment may consist of deep tissue work on the adhesion/scar tissue around the area of injury.  This will increase proper motion and functioning of the area.

Have a great day,
Dr. Brendon O'Brien D.C.