Stay on a Healthy Path With Hernia Prevention

Many people who experience hernias remember them well. The pain presents itself in several unsettling ways – or maybe not at all. Some feel burning or aching at the bulge spot. Others report a pulling sensation. Symptoms vary, depending on hernia type.

How and Where Do Hernias Form?

What causes hernias? Anything that puts pressure on the abdomen, even everyday activities: coughing, sneezing, bending or lifting heavy items. If there’s a weak or strained area, intestines or the stomach can protrude through the muscle or connective tissue. This causes pain, pressure, weakness, discomfort and heavy sensations at the hernia site.

Hernias commonly appear in the groin, upper thigh, stomach and belly button areas, as well as surgical incision sites. Those in the groin area – what people usually think of when they hear the word hernia – have different causes. Some are born with weak muscles or tissue in the groin, inner thigh and abdomen areas. Age is a contributing factor. Physical strain, injury and overall health also play important roles. The Community Health Network hernia heath team knows the symptoms and factors, and how to help ease the pain and discomfort.

Try Not To Strain

Heavy lifting, pregnancy and straining with bowel movements all can cause hernias. They become more common among the overweight due to increased strain and pressure on weakened muscles. Even smoking triggers hernias through forceful coughing. If not repaired, hernias often grow and weaken, leading to more pain and complications.

When left untreated, hernias also become strangulated or twisted, restricting blood flow – and in some cases, blocking bowels. This leads to costly emergency open surgery and slower recovery times for procedures as we age. Community surgeons help you navigate your treatment, and answer any questions along the way.

What Are the Next Steps?

For immediate treatment to repair a hernia, surgery is the most common solution. Community Hospital South is accredited as a Center of Excellence in Hernia Surgery by the Surgical Review Corporation, offering state-of-the-art da Vinci robotic technology.

Surgery is either laparoscopic or open, depending on severity of the hernia and overall health of the patient. What are the differences between the two?

Open Surgery

• Traditional hernia repair method
• Bulging tissue returned to the body through large incision
• Muscle stitched together/patched with synthetic mesh

Laparoscopic Surgery

• Minimally invasive surgery for repair
• Faster recovery and less pain
• Small incisions for surgeon’s tools to access hernia

Until your treatment or surgery is planned, avoid aggravating your hernia by not lifting heavy objects. You may speak to your healthcare provider about wearing a girdle or compression binder for support. Also, maintain a healthy weight, reduce tobacco use, and avoid straining in the bathroom to help ease the most painful and harsh symptoms.

If you are experiencing hernia symptoms, speak with one of Community’s experienced hernia repair experts today.