Treating Trigger Points - The Obliques
The Obliques - Trigger Point Anatomy
Trigger Points in the Obliques can be the Cause of Stomach, Chest, or Groin Pain
The posterior fibers of the external oblique are usually overlapped by the latissimus dorsi, but in some cases there is a space between the two, known as the lumbar triangle, situated just above the iliac crest.
The lumbar triangle is a weak point in the abdominal wall.
External Oblique - Common Trigger Point Sites
ORIGIN
Lower eight ribs.
INSERTION
Anterior half of iliac crest, and into an abdominal aponeurosis that terminates in the linea alba (a tendinous band extending downward from the sternum).
ACTION
Compresses abdomen, helping to support abdominal viscera against pull of gravity. Contraction of one side alone bends trunk laterally to that side and rotates it to opposite side.
NERVE
Ventral rami of thoracic nerves, T5–T12.
BASIC FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT
Example: digging with a shovel.
REFERRED PAIN PATTERNS
Viscerosomatic.
Costal margin: abdominal pain to chest.
Lower lateral: testicular pain. Local pain.
Pubic rim: bladder pain. Frequency/ retention (urine). Groin.
INDICATIONS
Abdominal pain and tenderness, groin pain, testicular pain, bladder pain, nausea, colic, dysmenorrhea, diarrhea, viscerosomatic pain, irritable bowel syndrome, lower crossed pattern, bedwetting in children.
CAUSES
Direct trauma (commonly from overexertion during sports), poor sit-up technique, prolonged cross- legged sitting, coughing, emotional stress, may be related to back pain, post-surgical (abdominal).
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
Visceral pathology including: renal, hepatic, pancreatic, diverticular disease, colitis, appendicitis, hiatus hernia, peritoneal disease—pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian, bladder.
CONNECTIONS
Transversus abdominis, internal oblique, rectus abdominis, pyramidalis.
This trigger point therapy blog is intended to be used for information purposes only and is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or to substitute for a medical diagnosis and/or treatment rendered or prescribed by a physician or competent healthcare professional. This information is designed as educational material, but should not be taken as a recommendation for treatment of any particular person or patient. Always consult your physician if you think you need treatment or if you feel unwell.
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