Abstract
Aim: The aim of the work was to monitor the relationship between rectus abdominis diastasis and back pain in women after childbirth. Study design: observational prospective study.
The final cohort consisted of 118 postpartum women with diastasis m. rectus abdominis (DRA) with a mean age of 33.11 years. Methods: Examination of diastasis – inter recti distance (IRD) measured with a linear 2D ultrasound probe, 4.5 cm above the navel, in its area and 4.5 cm below the navel.
Lying on the back at rest, and during the stress test (elevation of the lower limbs), back pain was assessed by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Results: We correlated diastasis m. rectus abdominis above the umbilicus, in the area of the umbilicus and below it with and without weight with individual sections of the ODI questionnaire for the assessment of pain during activities of daily living.
In the sitting, standing, sex life, social life, travel and total score sections, we identified several moderate significant correlations; mostly with diastasis above the navel during weight bearing, and subsequently with diastasis above the navel without weight. One significant correlation was recorded for diastasis in the navel area.
Conclusion: Pain intensity and pain during activities of daily living in the observed group was minimal. It has been confirmed that women with diastasis have negative feelings about diastasis in their sexual life, but also in travel and social life due to the fact that it is also a problem of aesthetic nature.