External Oblique Abdominis

The External Oblique Abdominis is a muscle of the abdomen.

The abdominal muscles are frequently referred to as the Abs.

Anatomical Attachments:

• Origin: Attaches to the external surface and the inferior margins of the lower 8 ribs.
• Insertion: Attaches to the outer lip of the iliac crest; with the rest of the fleshy fibers inserting into the wide abdominal aponeurosis of the linea alba.

Action: Aids the rectus abdominis muscle in compressing the abdominal wall and supporting the viscera, flexes the vertebral column and forced exhalation.

Synergist: Diaphragm, Internal oblique abdominis, Transverse abdominis, Rectus abdominis, Pyramidalis, Levator Ani.

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Nerve Supply: Thoracic nerves (T7, T8, T9, T10, T11, T12) and Lumbar nerves (L1, L2).

Vascular supply: Superior and inferior epigastric arteries.

• Primary: The primary referral pattern overlies the anterior chest wall and refers to the lower abdomen, groin and/or testicle.
• Satellite or associated triggers: Serratus Anterior, Adductor muscles of the thigh.

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Trigger Point Signs and Symptoms: Heartburn, nausea, projectile vomiting, belching from the pressure applied to the TrP “belch button”, groin and/or testicular pain, diarrhea.

Trigger Point Activating and Perpetuating Factors: Abdominal scars from surgery, acute trauma, chronic occupational strain, over exercise, emotional tension, viral infections, straining during fecal elimination, poor posture.

Differential Diagnosis: (Segmental, Subluxation, Somatic dysfunction) T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10 T11 or T12 radiculopathy, L1 L2 L3 or L4 radiculopathy, Fibromyalgia, Appendicitis, Gastroenteritis, Esophageal reflux disorder, Peptic ulcer (Stomach ulcer), Stomach perforation, Gastric carcinoma (Stomach cancer), Polyps, Ascites, Rectus abdominis hematoma, Chronic Cholecystitis, Ureteral colic, Gallbladder Disorder, Colic, Painful rib syndrome, Costochondritis, Urinary tract disease, Hiatal hernia, Inguinal hernia, Hepatitis, Hepatic Carcinoma (Liver Cancer), Pancreatitis, Pancreatic carcinoma, Diverticulosis, Intestinal parasites, Umbilical hernia, Ascariasis, Myocardial infarction, Angina pectoris, Aortic Aneurysm, Iliac aneurysm, Splenomegaly, Splenic flexure syndrome, Ruptured spleen, Ovarian cyst, Ovarian cancer, Pregnancy, Tubal pregnancy (Ectopic pregnancy), Spontaneous Abortion (Miscarriage), Endometriosis, Intractable dysmenorrhea, Epididymitis, Testicular cancer, Testicular torsion, Prostatitis, Orchitis, Varicocele, Systemic infections or inflammation, Nutritional inadequacy, Metabolic imbalance, Toxicity, Side effects of medication.

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