Symptoms
Abdominal pain (muscular)
Persistent abdominal pain without GI pathology can refer from rectus abdominis, obliques and iliopsoas.
Overview
Persistent abdominal pain without GI pathology can refer from rectus abdominis, obliques and iliopsoas. Identifying which muscle reproduces the patient's familiar pain on palpation guides treatment and often produces meaningful change alongside standard care.
Clinical notes
GI rule-out first. Treat the muscular contributor only after visceral causes are excluded.
Red flags — when to refer
Persistent fever, weight loss, GI bleeding — refer urgently.
Muscles often involved
References
- • Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction