What causes inguinal hernia?
Inguinal hernias can be caused by a congenital weakening of the abdominal muscles but can also be acquired.
Hernias due to congenital weakness usually occur early in children, during the first year. Acquired hernias can be caused by weak muscles and excessive pressure on the abdomen, such as heavy lifting, pregnancy, obesity or constipation, if the tissue is not adapted and strong enough and therefore breaks under the strain. It usually occurs around middle age and later and is most common in men.
It is most common in men because of an opening/channel in the groin, the inguinal canal, through which the testicles descend from the abdomen to the scrotum during the late fetal stage. The seminal duct from the testicle, as well as nerves, blood and lymph vessels, also run through the same canal. So here there is a natural weakening that provides an opening down to the scrotum. Therefore, an inguinal hernia in men can also progress to become a scrotal hernia.
In women, the hernia may instead travel down the thigh, forming a so-called femoral hernia. A femoral hernia is more likely to be compressed and is usually operated on.
An inguinal hernia often gets bigger over time, especially if you are overweight and do a lot of heavy work. Hard physical work should be increased slowly so that the tissue has time to strengthen. This reduces the risk of an acquired hernia.
Why do I have an inguinal hernia?
An inguinal hernia can be congenital but can be caused by heavy loads if the tissue is not adapted and trained for the load. See causes above.
When and where should I seek treatment for inguinal hernia?
Severe, sharply rising pain may be due to a hernia, the intestinal loop, becoming trapped. This is a serious condition that requires urgent surgery to prevent the intestinal loop from being damaged by lack of oxygen. Contact your doctor immediately.
If you have an inguinal hernia without major problems, you can try fascia treatment. The aim is to balance the body so that the load is even, which reduces the pressure on the abdominal wall.
Go to a FasciaClinic near you
How is inguinal hernia treated?
Treatment at fascia clinics always includes a review of how the body is loaded. Asymmetries and uneven loading result in overloading of certain body parts, and thus increased pressure. For example, correcting an unbalanced pelvis may allow the abdominal wall to be loaded more evenly and the hernia to be held back.
Severe, acute pain must be checked immediately by a doctor, as it may be due to a hernia that has become pinched, resulting in a lack of oxygen for the intestinal loop that has been squeezed. A pinched hernia is serious and usually requires emergency surgery.
Surgery always carries risks. Often, a mild hernia can be without troublesome symptoms and surgery is not recommended. Instead, try treatment and exercising the abdominal and pelvic muscles to reduce the strain on the abdominal wall.
Inguinal hernias in children are almost always operated on during the first year of life.
Inguinal hernia – What can I do myself?
You can try to push the hernia back by lying on your back with your legs bent and gently pushing the hernia inwards/upwards towards your belly button.
Avoid vigorous exercise that puts a lot of pressure on the abdomen, such as heavy lifting, weight training, sit ups and the like.
The use of a so-called hernia band, which applies pressure to the hernia from the outside, reduces the pressure on the abdominal wall.
Strengthening the muscles and fascia around the abdomen can prevent the hernia from getting worse and also alleviate symptoms.
Exercises for inguinal hernia?
Strengthening the muscles and fascia around the abdomen can help prevent the hernia from getting worse and also alleviate symptoms. But avoid sit ups and other exercises that reduce the volume of the abdomen (increase pressure). Instead, exercise the abdominal muscles by lying on the floor and lifting your legs, hold and repeat. Balance exercises for back and abdominal core stability are good.
Breathing and relaxation exercises, lying on your back with your hips and knees at a 90° angle, lie down for 10 minutes.
Inguinal hernia – Frequently asked questions?
Is inguinal hernia dangerous?
Pinched inguinal hernia requires emergency surgery.
How long can you walk with an inguinal hernia?
Inguinal hernias are more common in men and can also progress and lead to scrotal hernias. In women, inguinal hernias can develop, often leading to incarceration and surgery.
Can you exercise with an inguinal hernia?
Avoid excessive loads like heavy lifts. Know what your body can handle.
Go to a FasciaClinic near you
