Hernias can be quite unpleasant to deal with, and they’re unfortunately not uncommon at all, especially as we grow older. In some cases, it’s entirely possible to go for a long time without even noticing anything out of the ordinary. Some minor hernias may not produce any symptoms on their own, but will become apparent under certain conditions, such as when you strain yourself more than usual. It’s important to pay attention to such changes in your body’s behaviour and know what to do if you suspect you might have developed a hernia.
What’s a Hernia?
Some people associate hernias with spinal issues or other similar problems, but the condition is actually more general than that, and encompasses all situations where an organ (or several organs) protrudes through an unnatural opening in the tissue that normally encloses it. For example, intestines might push out through a small hole in muscle tissue.
Hernias can occur in various parts of the body, but most are typically concentrated around the abdomen and groin area. Hernias can sometimes be very painful, and depending on the affected organs, may also have various complicating implications on one’s health. Some hernias require surgical intervention, while in other cases you might be advised to live your life with the hernia, managing its symptoms over time.
Types of Hernias
There are many types of hernias, with some occurring much more commonly than others. Inguinal hernias are among the most common, involving the bowel breaking through the groin around its upper area. Men are primarily affected by inguinal hernias, though the condition also occurs in some women. Femoral hernias are similar, though they occur in slightly different areas of the body. Hiatus hernias affect the stomach and are classified by having a part of it exit through the diaphragm. This is one of the hernia types that are typically more difficult to detect as they don’t produce any noticeable external symptoms.
What Are Hernias Typically Caused by?
Hernias can be caused by a variety of factors, but are almost always associated with excessive strain on certain muscle groups. One of the most common causes of hernias is lifting heavy weights with an improper technique. In fact, some people wrongly see hernias as a condition exclusive to bodybuilders and other weightlifters. Hernias can occur in various other ways though. People living with a chronic cough are one example of a high-risk group, as a heavy coughing fit can sometimes lead to a hernia.
Factors that weaken the body and its muscles can also contribute to the risk of a hernia, even though they can’t cause one directly. Smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, inappropriate nutrition, and other similar factors can put a person at a higher risk of developing a hernia, even without any excessive strain on the body.
How Can You Treat a Hernia?
Treating a hernia is often done surgically. This is the recommended approach for permanent removal of the condition, and in some cases, the only available option. Working with qualified, competent general surgeons in this case is a must, as the complexity of the procedure is not to be underestimated. Institutes like the Circle Health Group are a good starting point, as they have a number of general surgeons with significant relevant experience, and can point you in the right direction for your treatment from the start. Treating a hernia can be a complicated path to walk on, and it’s important to know that you’re putting your health in the right hands. In addition, an experienced medical team will help you with the recovery process, which can be quite stressful in some more complicated cases.
Some people may also recommend using a belt to reduce the symptoms of the hernia, but this approach has been widely disputed. Many experts claim that these devices simply mask the underlying symptoms but don’t do anything to relieve the patient of the stress or pain it causes, and in some cases may even make future recovery more complicated. This is an ongoing debate. If you feel like a belt helps you, it’s good to wear one in situations where your hernia might be triggered. But it’s important to explore your options for permanent recovery, because this is not the kind of condition that you want to leave untreated for too long.
The tendency to ignore hernias until they’ve become a much more serious problem can be very problematic, especially in cases where the hernia is actually much more complicated and threatening than it appears at first. It’s important to pay attention to all potential symptoms and consult a physician as soon as you suspect something might be wrong. Delaying this kind of treatment can only make things more complicated in the future, even if your particular case is not that severe to begin with.
