What do you need to know about the diaphragm?

Diaphragm. A diaphragm is a reusable rubber or silicone cup that covers the cervix. The diaphragm is inserted into the vagina with spermicide before sex to prevent pregnancy. The diaphragm is a birth control (contraceptive) device that prevents sperm from entering the uterus. The diaphragm is a small, reusable rubber or silicone cup

How is the diaphragm used to prevent pregnancy?

The diaphragm is inserted into the vagina with spermicide before sex to prevent pregnancy. The diaphragm is a birth control (contraceptive) device that prevents sperm from entering the uterus. The diaphragm is a small, reusable rubber or silicone cup with a flexible rim that covers the cervix.

What are the symptoms of a diaphragm rupture?

In severe cases, trauma can cause a rupture of the diaphragm — a tear in the muscle that will require surgery. Symptoms of diaphragm rupture can include: abdominal pain. collapse. coughing. difficulty breathing. heart palpitations. nausea.

What causes weakness in the diaphragm when lying down?

Conditions that affect the nerves that control the diaphragm can result in weakness or complete paralysis of the muscle. 9  Neurological conditions, such as diabetic neuropathy, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and muscular dystrophy . Nerve injury-induced diaphragmatic weakness can result in shortness of breath, especially when lying down.

What’s causing my diaphragm pain and how can I treat it?

What’s Causing My Diaphragm Pain and How Can I Treat It? The diaphragm is a mushroom-shaped muscle that sits beneath your lower-to-middle rib cage. It separates your abdomen from your thoracic area. Your diaphragm helps you breathe by lowering when you inhale, in that way, allowing your lungs to expand.

What causes the diaphragm to tighten after exhalation?

During a spasm, the diaphragm doesn’t rise back up after exhalation. This inflates the lungs, causing the diaphragm to tighten. This can also cause a cramping sensation in the chest. Vigorous exercise can cause the diaphragm to spasm, which often results in what people call a side stitch.

Can a phrenic nerve damage affect the diaphragm?

During an episode, someone might feel the fluttering as a pulsing sensation in the abdominal wall. Several things can damage the phrenic nerve, including This damage can cause dysfunction or paralysis of the diaphragm. But phrenic nerve damage doesn’t always cause symptoms. When it does, possible symptoms include: