With plans for spring cleaning, remodeling, and other ambitious projects on the horizon, heavy lifting is a possibility. Along with the risk of back injury, many people may suffer from a hernia. Hernias aren鈥檛 limited to athletes and old people; they occur more often than you may think. Having a better understanding of this condition and the repercussions of a hernia will shed light on this sometimes painful and surprisingly prevalent condition.
Types of Hernias
The most common type of hernia is abdominal, and the variations depend on its location. According to the , these are the three most common types of abdominal hernias:
- Umbilical hernias appear around the navel.
- Inguinal hernias occur near the creases where the abdomen and the upper thighs meet.
- Incisional hernias occur after surgery at the site of the incision.
estimate that more than one million surgeries are performed each year to repair an abdominal wall hernia, which is described as a tear or a hole in the body's tissue that allows another body part to protrude, causing a bulge. "Patients may have pain or discomfort from this condition, or it may not become painful until the patient coughs, sneezes, or lifts something," says Daniel J. Vargo, MD, a surgeon at 香蕉视频 of Utah Health.
Despite common beliefs, shows that abdominal hernias occur equally if not more often in women.
Common Hernia Causes
- Obesity: Those extra pounds increase the strain and weaken your abdominal muscles, making them more prone to developing a hernia.
- Family History: Although family history may not guarantee a hernia, shows it is a reliable predictor of one occurring.
- Pregnancy: The risk is small, but show that pregnancy is associated with an increase in the risk of hernia recurrence.
- Constipation: The constant strain may cause a portion of your intestine to get trapped in the abdominal wall. This can lead to some painful problems with the bowel. If bowel movements are a struggle, see a doctor.
- Chronic Cough: Often associated with the effects of smoking, constant coughing weakens the abdominal wall.
- Injury: Most sports-related hernias occur in the groin and don't appear as a bulge. But if left untreated, it can evolve into an inguinal hernia.
Surgery is a common treatment, but Vargo says that he has seen many cases where surgery wasn't required. "Not everyone with a hernia needs to have it fixed because it isn't affecting daily activity," Vargo says. "But if you have pain, surgery is recommended."
Tips to Decrease the Risk of a Hernia
- Maintain a healthy weight. Rapid weight loss and weight gain place pressure on the abdominal wall.
- Don't smoke.
- Change lifting stance. Lift with the legs, not the back.
- Change your diet to improve bowel movements.
It鈥檚 tempting to make light of the things that happen 鈥渄own there.鈥 But the truth is that hernias are serious and often painful conditions. If you are suffering from discomfort or abdominal pain, talk with your doctor about the possibility of a hernia. The treatment is easy, and the result is a satisfying, pain-free life.
Will a Hernia Go Away on Its Own?
If you have a hernia and it鈥檚 causing you pain, you need to get it treated. Hernias will not go away on their own. Learn what treatment options are available from surgeon Dr. Rodney Barker in 60 seconds on this Health Minute.
Could That Lump Be a Hernia?
Hernias are extremely common鈥攁ny person of any age or gender can form one for a variety of reasons. You may even have one and not even know it. Dr. Rodney Barker talks about how you can identify a hernia and the treatments available.
ER or Not: Hernias
You鈥檙e helping friends move some heavy furniture and suddenly feel a pop in your abdomen. Maybe you have a small protrusion and think it could be a hernia. ER physician Dr. Troy Madsen talks about when it鈥檚 serious enough to seek immediate help.