An abdominal muscle strain, also called a pulled abdominal muscle, is an injury to one of the muscles of the abdominal wall.

A muscle strain occurs when the muscle is stretched too far. When this occurs, the muscle fibers are torn. Most commonly, a strain causes microscopic, or tiny, tears within the muscle. Occasionally, in severe injuries, the muscle can rupture or break from its attachment.

Here's a closer look at the symptoms of an abdominal muscle strain, along with tips for preventing and treating this type of injury.

The abdominal wall is made up of several muscles, including:

Symptoms of abdominal muscle strains include:

An abdominal strain is sometimes confused with an epigastric hernia. This condition is when tissues in the abdomen push through the abdominal muscles. While the symptoms are similar, a hernia will often cause a bulge on the surface of the belly.

Abdominal muscle strains are graded according to the severity of the injury:

Physicians and physical therapists can recommend treatments that may speed your recovery. You should be evaluated by a doctor if:

Treatment of an abdominal muscle injury is difficult. There's no way to splint the abdomen and it's nearly impossible to fully rest these muscles.

That said, the most important step after you sustain an abdominal muscle strain is to allow the muscle to relax so that the inflammation can subside.

The following can help:

One the injury is fully healed, you can avoid another strain by practicing some common-sense preventive tips.

An abdominal muscle strain, or pulled abdominal muscle, can cause pain that ranges from mild discomfort to muscle spasms and bruising. Since you can't splint the muscles, the best treatment is rest, gentle stretching, icing after activities, and heating prior to activities. In addition, using some common-sense strategies during exercising can help prevent the abdominal strain in the first place.

Recovering from an abdominal muscle strain may take time but it is possible. Some people find treatments such as ultrasound, therapeutic massage, and specific exercises particularly helpful. You should see your physician to determine if these would be appropriate for your condition.

Abdominal muscle spasms and cramps can be caused by muscle overuse and injury, low levels of calcium and potassium, dehydration, alcoholism, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), certain medication, pregnancy, menstruation, and kidney failure. Applying heat to the muscle for 15 minute intervals, properly stretching, drinking plenty of fluids, and getting enough potassium and calcium in your diet may help prevent worse muscle spasms in the future.

The rectus abdominis is located on the front of the belly. When this muscle is strong and well-developed, it is responsible for the "six pack" appearance. It is also referred to as the "abs."

Oblique muscle strain, sometimes called "side" strain, is often caused by sudden, powerful twisting motions like those seen by a baseball pitcher or a javelin thrower. The strain results in acute pain and tenderness of the oblique muscles as well as the lower back. The oblique muscles are located on the left and right sides of the rectus abdominis.