Diastasis Recti Hernia

Diastasis recti is a common condition that is often mistaken or
confused with a hernia. However, the two conditions are unique
and require a variety of different treatments. Diastasis is latin
for the separation of two parts. Recti is a latin plural meaning
straight. In the medical field, diastasis recti is the separation
of the linea alba (the straight line in between your six pack
muscles) and the abdominal wall, commonly referred to as the
six-pack muscles.


The confusion between diastasis recti and a hernia arises from
the small to large bulge that may result in the midline due to
diastasis recti and since a hernia is due to a “gap” – they are
often confused. Please note that the two can often go hand in
hand


What is Diastasis Recti?


A diastasis recti is a separation of the abdominal wall muscles
(the rectus abdominis). Most of us know the famous 6-pack muscles
by looking at fitness models or bodybuilders as they are the most
superficial layer of muscle and easily spottable when body fat is
low and muscle tone is high. With a diastasis recti, these
muscles separate in the center of the abs, causing a gap between
the left and right sides of the muscle. The left and right sides
of the muscle attach into a connective tissue that runs from your
ribs to your pubic bone and that tissue, the linea alba –
stretches and thins and as a result – the 6-pack splits – left
from right.


In both men and women, this gap can be created in the midline of
your belly anywhere from the pubic bone to the base of your
ribcage. One obvious way to feel for the gap is during a crunch
or sit-up, where one would normally feel tension and closure at
the center of the abs, there is a space and a gap and your
fingers can sink into your belly easily.


What is a Hernia?


Your abdomen contains layers upon layers of muscles and strong
tissues. These help you move while also supporting and protecting
the internal organs. A hernia occurs when the muscular wall
becomes compromised and allows the contents inside the abdomen to
descend outward. There are many different types of hernias, but
the most common two occur in the belly or groin area.


Diastasis Recti vs Hernia


As you may be aware, distinguishing between a hernia and
diastasis recti may be challenging. However, there are distinct
characteristics that help differentiate the two.


A diastasis recti occurs only at the midline of the abdominal
wall. Although it can range in placement and severity from the
rib cage down to the pubic bone, it does not vear from the
midline of the abdomen.


A hernia can occur anywhere in the abdominal wall, groin, or even
in the diaphragm. Hernias more often occur at the site of a prior
surgery or due to a weakened abdominal wall due to the
compromised muscle structures that typically occur after an
invasive abdominal surgery.


A diastasis may enlarge over time, but not in the same way a
hernia does. Diastasis recti may stretch or spread in span due to
continued strain and excessive levels of pressure on the midline.
However, a hernia may enlarge over time if left untreated which
may lead to life-threatening complications – strangulation.


Hernias can incarcerate (also known as strangulate) which cuts
off the blood supply to that particular section of the intestine.
As stated before, this can be a life-threatening situation.


This is not a concern with diastasis recti.


Hernia vs Diastasis Recti Pregnancy


There are several common types of hernias that may be mistaken as
diastasis recti. These include umbilical hernia and ventral
hernia. In some cases, these types of hernias may be present
alongside diastasis recti.