The =pendulous abdomen= is another defect that is all too common. A
great many people have prominent abdomens because they do not stand
properly, but a pendulous or prominent abdomen is not necessarily
synonymous with a stout abdomen. They attempt to stand erect by
drawing the shoulders back and extending the abdomen. If they would
hold the head erect and the chin in, with the shoulders back and the
chest forward, and draw the abdomen inward and upward, their figures
and physiques would undergo shortly a wonderful transformation. These
directions also apply to pregnant women. Drawing the abdomen upward and
inward will at first require considerable effort. It certainly will not
be an involuntary act for the first few days.
The sagging of the abdomen not only causes an unsightly appearance
but results in great relaxation of the abdominal muscles, interferes
with digestive functions, displaces the pelvic organs, and weakens the
action of the lungs and heart.
The laxity of the abdominal muscles allows the abdominal organs—the
intestines, stomach, kidneys, etc.—to displace downward. This tends to
indigestion, constipation, inactivity of the liver, etc., and causes
a score of reflex symptoms. The organs become simply weakened from a
lack of proper tone. This is a frequent cause of nervous prostration.
Also it is one of the common causes of prolapsed and displaced pelvic
organs, because the abdominal organs sag down upon them and the pelvic
organs thus receive the brunt of the gravitative effect. Internal local
treatment of the pelvic organs can only be a makeshift in these cases.
The lungs and heart are weakened because the abdominal organs are
dragging on the chest, the lungs can not aerate the blood freely owing
to the abdominal weight and to the blood being obstructed in passing
from the abdominal organs through the liver to the heart and lungs. The
heart is handicapped in its work through lessened chest capacity and
obstructed circulation. Just “suck” up the abdominal organs and see how
much easier it is to expand the chest and to breathe.
There are other causes for a pendulous abdomen, such as a weakened
spinal nerve supply to the abdominal muscles and organs. The weakened
nerve supply may cause a loss of tone to the abdominal organs
themselves, so that certain organs, as the stomach and intestines,
become dilated and prolapsed; to the ligaments, and to the tissues and
organs as a whole so that they become gravitated.
Through childbirth muscular fibres of the abdominal walls often
rupture, leaving scars and a relaxed condition. Actual ruptures,
hernia, of the abdominal muscles occur and cause a pendulous abdomen.
Then there are cases of obesity where the pendulous abdomen is a
symptom.
Much can be done with all of these conditions through osteopathic
work; the patient must also help himself. The center of gravity of
the body must be changed, and kept changed; correct posture and a
constant effort will accomplish considerable. The “setting up” military
exercises are excellent. Even in some cases of obesity the abdominal
prominence can be markedly lessened by careful exercising and keeping
the abdomen drawn in so that the abdominal muscles, the diaphragm, and
the chest may be strengthened. For the relaxed, flabby abdomen, self
manipulation of the weak muscles when lying on the back will materially
aid.