Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain can often be traced to muscle knots in key core muscles. Specifically, trigger points in the abdominis oblique muscles (located on your sides), the “six-pack” rectus abdominis muscles (front of your stomach), and the iliocostalis thoracis (a back muscle that can refer pain forward) can all cause discomfort in the stomach and front torso.
There are three primary muscles that cause abdominal pain: the Abdominis Oblique (muscles on the side of the stomach), the 6-pack stomach muscles, and the Iliocostalis Thoracis. Muscle knots in these muscles can cause pain in the stomach and front torso region of the body.
Causes
Prolonged sitting in a forward position: Sitting with your back rounded forward for extended periods puts significant strain on the muscles in your neck, shoulders, and upper back as they work to hold your head up. This sustained, awkward posture causes these muscles to become chronically overstretched and fatigued, resulting in tightness, weakness, and a high susceptibility to developing painful muscle knots. Over time, this rounded-back sitting position reinforces a pattern of muscle imbalance and constant tension that contributes to chronic upper-body pain.
Forward head posture: Forward head posture—where your head juts out in front of your shoulders—forces the muscles in your upper back and neck to work overtime, fighting gravity to keep your head from drooping. This constant, excessive tension causes those muscles, especially the upper trapezius and levator scapulae, to become chronically tight and fatigued, which is the perfect recipe for developing painful muscle knots. Over time, this posture can create muscle imbalance and sustained strain, leading to chronic neck and shoulder pain that persists.
Faulty posture: Faulty posture, whether it’s slouching while sitting or hunching your shoulders, forces specific muscles—such as those in your neck and upper back—into a state of constant strain as they struggle to maintain your body in an unnatural position. This sustained tension causes the muscle fibers to become perpetually overworked and shortened, leading to poor blood flow and the development of painful, highly sensitive spots known as muscle knots.
I Feel
- Pain or discomfort under the rib cage and sternum
- Weak core muscles
I Feel
- Weak core muscles