Common Causes of Hernias and How to Prevent Them

Hernias are a relatively common health condition that can cause various uncomfortable symptoms. Hernias don’t always need immediate treatment, but they can turn into a life-threatening complication if they cause an obstruction (blockage) within your body. Treating hernias is carried out through a surgical procedure, which is used to repair the hole in your abdomen and push the protruding organ back in.  

Although there are many different types of hernia, it’s possible to prevent some hernias. In this blog, we look at the most common causes of hernias and explore the different prevention strategies you can use to support your health. 

What is a hernia?

A hernia is where an internal part of your body pushes through a weakness in your muscle or surrounding tissue. The usual place is your abdominal wall, but it can occur in other areas too. Hernias typically develop in the areas between your chest and hips. 

While some hernias do not cause any symptoms, others can cause symptoms such as: 

  • A lump that disappears when you lie down or you can push back in
  • A dull ache in your abdomen or groin area
  • A bulge or lump that appears when exerting yourself (exercising, coughing, straining)

Different types of hernias may cause various symptoms. For example, a hiatus hernia may cause acid reflux.

Take a look at another one of our previous blog posts to learn more about when you should worry about hernia pain.  

What are the most common causes of hernias?

Hernias can develop for many reasons and determining the cause is not always possible. Several factors play a role in hernia development, including physical straining, lifestyle habits and general health. 

Some of the most common causes of hernias include: 

  • Heavy lifting lifting heavy objects repeatedly or lifting heavier weights than you can manage can lead to a potential hernia. The reason for this is due to the excess pressure that you place on your abdominal wall. Over time, this can cause tiny muscle tears and increase your risk of developing a hernia.
  • Chronic coughing having a persistent cough can increase the pressure on your abdominal muscles, weakening them and increasing your risk of protrusion.
  • Obesity – being overweight can weaken your abdominal muscles and increase pressure in your abdomen, both of which can lead to a hernia.
  • Previous surgery – if your abdominal wall becomes weak due to an earlier surgery, you can develop an incisional hernia.
  • Age-related muscle weakness – as you age, the muscles in your abdomen naturally weaken, making them more susceptible to hernia development.
  • Chronic constipation – straining when constipated increases abdominal pressure, which can elevate your risk of developing a hernia.
  • Pregnancy – being pregnant places additional pressure on your abdominal muscles. Your growing baby can also lead to the abdominal wall becoming stretched and thin, increasing your risk of hernia.

Can I prevent a hernia?

It’s not always possible to prevent a hernia because some causes can’t be stopped. However, you can protect your abdominal muscles and prevent them from weakening. 

Here are some effective ways to help decrease your risk of hernia: 

  • Maintain a healthy weight – being a healthy weight reduces the stress and pressure on your abdominal muscles which, in turn, helps lower your risk of hernia. To do this effectively, eat a well-balanced diet, exercise regularly and always speak with your doctor before changing your diet or exercise regime.
  • Practise safe heavy lifting techniques when you’re lifting anything heavy, always use proper form. This means bending with your knees, not your waist, and keeping your back straight. Keep the object you’re lifting close to your body and try not to rush. Make sure to exhale when lifting and try not to hold your breath. 
  • Strengthen your core a solid core can help support your abdominal muscles and reduce your risk of developing a hernia. You can complete different abdominal exercises to strengthen your core without having to join a gym. Performing exercises like plank, crunches and leg raises regularly can help minimise your risk of weakened abdominal muscles and a potential hernia.  
  • Seek chronic cough or constipation treatment repeatedly straining due to a chronic cough or constipation can weaken your abdominal wall and lead to a hernia. Seeking treatment for a chronic cough or constipation is essential. Your doctor can investigate your symptoms and provide proper treatment to reduce your risk.  

Preventing a hernia might not always be doable, but you can do things that help to strengthen your abdominal wall and minimise your overall risk of development.

Seeking hernia treatment with Mr Achal Khanna

While you can’t always prevent hernias, there are ways you can support your health and minimise your risk. From maintaining a healthy weight to strengthening your core and lifting heavy objects safely, these lifestyle changes could help significantly reduce your risk. 

If you’re experiencing hernia symptoms or are looking for a specialist to treat an already-diagnosed hernia, Mr Achal Khanna can help. His expertise in minimally invasive and robot-assisted surgical techniques for hernia surgery offers enhanced recovery and supports successful treatment. 

Get in touch today and we’ll help you get on the right track to treating your hernia.