Logan Steele
The external oblique muscles are the largest and outermost of the three flat abdominal muscles of the lateral anterior abdomen. They are located on the lateral sides of the abdominal wall, extending from the lower half of the ribs around and down to the pelvis. The internal oblique muscles, on the other hand, are underneath the external obliques on each side of the trunk, just inside the hip bones.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | External obliques are located on the outer edge of the abdomen. Internal obliques are located directly underneath the external obliques, closer to the core. |
| Function | The external obliques pull the chest downwards and compress the abdominal cavity, increasing intra-abdominal pressure. They also perform ipsilateral (same-side) side-bending and contralateral (opposite-side) rotation. The internal obliques function similarly but rotate ipsilaterally. |
| Structure | The obliques are broad, thin, and irregularly quadrilateral. They arise from eight fleshy digitations, from the external surfaces and inferior borders of the fifth to twelfth ribs (lower eight ribs). |
| Treatment | Conservative treatment, stretching, warming up, and cooling down can help with oblique muscle strains. |
| Pain Causes | Rowing, raking leaves, chronic coughing, lifting heavy loads, using shovels or pitchforks, and sitting for long periods of time. |
| Injury Symptoms | Urinary tract issues, bladder discomfort, and incontinence. |
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What You'll Learn
External abdominal oblique muscle anatomy
The external abdominal oblique muscle is the largest and outermost of the three flat abdominal muscles of the lateral anterior abdomen. It is broad, thin, and irregularly quadrilateral, with its muscular portion occupying the side and its aponeurosis the anterior wall of the abdomen. The muscle is situated on the lateral and anterior parts of the abdomen, extending from the lower half of the ribs around and down to the pelvis.
The external oblique arises from eight fleshy digitations, each from the external surfaces and inferior borders of the fifth to twelfth ribs (lower eight ribs). These digitations are arranged in an oblique line that runs inferiorly and anteriorly, with the upper digitations attached close to the cartilages of the corresponding ribs and the lowest to the apex of the cartilage of the last rib. The five superior serrations increase in size from above downward, while the three lower ones diminish in size from above downward.
The external oblique has a variety of functions, depending on whether it contracts unilaterally or bilaterally. When contracting unilaterally, it rotates the trunk to the opposite side. When working together with the ipsilateral abdominal and back muscles, it contributes to the lateral flexion of the trunk on the same side. During bilateral contraction, the external oblique works with the internal abdominal oblique and rectus abdominis to flex the trunk anteriorly. This activity increases the tone of the abdominal wall and intra-abdominal pressure, which is a part of various physiological processes such as forced exhalation, micturition, defecation, and labor.
The external oblique also helps pull the chest downwards, which compresses the abdominal cavity and increases intra-abdominal pressure. It performs ipsilateral (same-side) side-bending and contralateral (opposite-side) rotation: the right external oblique would side-bend to the right and rotate to the left, and vice versa.
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Internal oblique muscle anatomy
The internal oblique muscle is a broad, sheet-like muscle that lies underneath the external oblique muscle and above the transverse abdominal muscle. It is part of the abdominal wall muscles, which help to maintain normal abdominal wall tension and increase intra-abdominal pressure. The internal oblique muscle is located on the lateral abdominal wall, comprising one of its three layers.
The internal oblique muscle has multiple sites of origin, which are distributed along the anterolateral side of the trunk. Its fibres run from the thoracolumbar fascia of the lower back, the anterior two-thirds of the iliac crest (upper part of the hip bone), and the lateral half of the inguinal ligament. The muscle fibres run superomedially (up and towards the midline) to insert onto the inferior borders of the 10th to 12th ribs and the linea alba. In males, the cremaster muscle is also attached to the internal oblique.
The internal oblique muscle performs two major functions. Firstly, it helps to flex the trunk, particularly during movements such as crunches or sit-ups. Secondly, it assists in rotating the torso ipsilaterally (to the same side). The internal oblique muscle works together with the external oblique muscle when a person twists or rotates their body at the core.
Weakness in the internal oblique muscle or other abdominal muscles can increase the risk of abdominal hernias. Strains or injuries to the internal oblique muscle can occur during certain throwing, twisting, or swinging motions that overextend the muscle and cause tears.
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Oblique muscle pain causes
The obliques are the muscles that run down the sides of the abdomen, connecting the ribs, top of the hip bone, fascia of the abdominals, and lower back. There are two sets of oblique muscles: external and internal obliques. External obliques sit on the outer edge of the abdomen, and internal obliques sit directly next to them, closer to the core. These muscles work together when the body twists or rotates at the core.
Oblique muscle pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Sports trauma: Oblique strains are common in sports such as baseball, cricket, and martial arts, which involve repetitive twisting, throwing motions, or impact.
- Overuse of abdominal muscles: This can occur due to over-training in the gym, repeated sit-ups, or sports that require a lot of oblique muscle strength.
- Improper twisting or bending of the trunk: This can lead to muscle strain on the oblique muscles.
- Overexertion or exercise: Engaging in physical activities such as rowing, raking leaves, heavy lifting, or using shovels can cause muscle pain in the external obliques.
- Sitting for long periods: Prolonged sitting can contribute to oblique muscle pain.
- Chronic coughing: Persistent coughing can also be a factor in causing pain in the oblique muscles.
It is important to note that oblique muscle pain can be managed and prevented through proper warm-up, stretching, and cooling down routines during exercise. Additionally, seeking professional advice and guidance from a physical therapist or doctor is recommended to address specific concerns and rule out any underlying medical conditions.
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Oblique muscle pain treatments
The obliques are the muscles that run down either side of the abdomen and are commonly referred to as the waist muscles. The external obliques sit on the outer edge of the abdomen, and the internal obliques sit directly next to them, closer to the core. These muscles work together during twisting and rotating movements. Oblique muscle pain often occurs due to a strain or tear, also known as a \"side strain\". This type of injury is common in sports such as baseball and cricket, which involve repetitive twisting and overarm movements.
If you are experiencing oblique muscle pain, there are several treatment options available:
Conservative Treatment
Conservative treatment is usually sufficient for oblique muscle strains and often leads to a full recovery within a few weeks. This includes rest, ice packs, and gentle stretching. It is important to allow the oblique muscles adequate time to heal and to avoid activities that may further strain the muscles.
Physical Therapy
If the pain persists or if you have experienced a sudden injury, consider consulting a physical therapist. Physical therapy can help you recover from oblique muscle pain and prevent future injuries. Treatment may include specific strengthening exercises that target the affected oblique muscles, enhancing their resilience and reducing the risk of re-injury.
Correct Techniques and Conditioning
Practising the correct techniques for your sport and focusing on conditioning can help prevent oblique muscle strains. Proper warming-up and cooling-down routines, including stretching, can also reduce the risk of injury. Planned rest days are important to avoid overexertion and allow the body to recover.
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Oblique muscle strain prevention
The obliques are the muscles running down either side of the abdomen. There are two sets of oblique muscles: external and internal obliques. External obliques sit on the outer edge of the abdomen, and internal obliques sit directly next to them, closer to the core. These muscles work together when people twist or rotate their bodies at the core. Oblique muscle strain, or side strain, often occurs in sports such as baseball, cricket, hockey, and soccer, that require repetitive twisting and overarm movement. It can also occur during everyday movements like walking or running.
To prevent oblique muscle strain, it is important to warm up properly before any physical activity. This includes a few minutes of slow, deep breathing, gently rehearsing potentially problematic movements, and dynamic stretches like trunk twists and side bends. It is also important to strengthen the core with exercises like Russian twists, side planks, and bicycle crunches. Maintaining good posture during daily activities and workouts reduces unnecessary strain on the oblique muscles.
Stretching is another important aspect of preventing oblique muscle strain. It is recommended to stretch gently and slowly until muscle tension in the target muscle becomes obvious. Then, hold it for 10-20 seconds and carefully release. It is best to only do the same stretch once in any session and to stay controlled. A full cooldown after exercising is also important, and it should take twice as long as the warm-up. This can be done by reducing exercise intensity and speed for around 10 minutes before the end of the session.
Additionally, it is important to avoid overexerting every day. Planned rest days are crucial to allow the body to recover. It is also recommended to incorporate core-strengthening exercises and professional treatments like therapeutic massage to prevent oblique muscle strain.
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Frequently asked questions
The external oblique muscles are the largest and outermost of the three flat abdominal muscles of the lateral anterior abdomen. The internal oblique muscles are underneath the external oblique muscles on each side of the trunk.
The external oblique muscles are located on the lateral and anterior parts of the abdomen. They extend from the lower half of the ribs around and down to the pelvis.
The internal oblique muscles are located on top of the external oblique muscles, just inside the hip bones.
The external oblique muscles help pull the chest downwards and compress the abdominal cavity, increasing intra-abdominal pressure. They also allow the trunk to twist from side to side.
The internal oblique muscles function similarly to the external oblique muscles, except they rotate ipsilaterally (same side).
