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ROCHESTER, Minn. – Often overlooked, the abdominal core plays a crucial role in daily life, supporting everything from breathing to movement. Experts are now emphasizing the importance of understanding and maintaining this vital area of the body. Dr. Charlotte Horne, a metabolic and abdominal wall reconstructive surgeon at Mayo Clinic, is at the forefront of this emerging field, highlighting how proper care can prevent complex medical issues.
“The abdominal core is the outside muscular container of your abdominal wall,” explains Dr. Horne. “This starts at the diaphragm and goes all the way down to the pelvic support muscles. It’s a muscular container that holds your internal organs in. Every time you breathe, bend, bear down to have a bowel movement, you’re using these muscles.”
The core encompasses not just the visible “six-pack” muscles, but also deeper oblique muscles, connective tissue, and a complex network of nerves that extend to the groin, thighs, back, and hips. According to Dr. Horne, maintaining the functionality of this interconnected system is essential for performing everyday activities.
Contrary to popular belief, achieving a strong core doesn’t necessarily require intense workouts. Dr. Horne stresses the importance of engaging these muscles during routine activities. “We need to educate people on how to appropriately engage those muscles when they do everything from going from lying to sitting and sitting to standing, lifting objects and other basic movements in their daily lives,” she says. Practices like yoga and Pilates, which focus on drawing the belly button towards the spine, can also be beneficial.
However, several risk factors can compromise abdominal core health, including cancer treatment, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic coughing, and complications from pregnancy and surgery. Hernias, where organs or tissue protrude through weakened muscle areas, are among the most common issues.
“Coughing can cause large hernias. When you’re coughing, you’re bearing down and there is a sudden, acute change in intra-abdominal pressure,” Dr. Horne explains. “When you’re doing that all of the time, it causes significant stress to your abdominal wall.”
Lifestyle choices also play a role. Avoiding smoking, which increases the risk of chronic coughing, and limiting excessive alcohol consumption, which can lead to hormonal changes that weaken the abdominal wall, are crucial for maintaining core health.
Advances in medical knowledge are leading to improved treatment and preventative measures. For example, tailored exercise regimens during and after pregnancy can help stabilize abdominal muscles. Surgeons are also revising post-surgery movement restrictions, focusing instead on educating patients on safe muscle re-engagement.
In cases of complex hernias, Dr. Horne utilizes advanced techniques, including robotic surgery and 3D-printed models for pre-surgical planning. “Most of the patients that I care for have more of their abdominal contents outside of their abdominal cavity than inside,” she says. “The best part is that patients go from a dysfunctional abdominal wall to one that is functional within about a week in the hospital.”
The growing recognition of abdominal core health emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to well-being, incorporating mindful movement and informed medical care.
Disclaimer: This article provides information for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional1 for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.2 The information provided is based on the expertise of Dr. Charlotte Horne and the Mayo Clinic, but individual results may vary.
