If you’re suffering from hernia pain, you’re probably looking for solutions to eliminate the pain and quite possibly the bulge as well. It’s no secret that hernias can be excruciating, and in some cases, debilitating. Hernias can develop and flare without warning and when aggravated due to certain movements, activities, and foods or beverages. They can also cause bulges that burn, ache or are sensitive to touch. But what many people are not aware of is that although there are many methods and strategies available that can help relieve some symptoms, they are no replacement for proper medical care.
Surgery is still the most effective way to treat hernias and relieve pain and discomfort. Orange County Robotic General Surgery offers a variety of hernia treatments for anyone who is suffering from hernia symptoms. Whether you’re awaiting surgery or still on the fence about treatment, consider the following measures to relieve hernia pain.
Body Position:
Certain body positions and movements can trigger hernia symptoms and make them feel worse than usual. Some individuals find that changing their position by stretching or performing light exercises helps to dull these sensations. Avoiding activities that place additional strain and stress on the abdomen and groin, such as lifting heavy objects, pushing, and straining during bowel movements, running and high impact exercises can also be helpful. Some movements are unavoidable or involuntary but can cause a great deal of soreness, pain and discomfort when bending over, laughing, coughing, or even sitting still.
Deep Breathing:
Hernia pain can make breathing difficult and uncomfortable for some. Though the natural reaction is to take shallow breaths until the pain or discomfort subsides, doing so limits proper airflow to the lungs and can cause light headiness, dizziness, and other concerns. To alleviate pain and pressure during a hernia flare-up, take deep, slow breaths, and relax. Focus on remaining calm and relaxing the body to encourage the muscles in the body, especially in the herniated area to relax and stop contracting around the bulge.
Get a Massage:
Small hernias, especially those that occur in the groin may respond to light pressure, massages, and stretches to alleviate muscle tension and help prevent the bulge from becoming bigger or more painful. It is also possible for patients to rub and massage their hernia bulges back into place while laying down themselves but doing so is not ideal without proper medical guidance. Anyone planning to rely on massage therapy for hernia pain should discuss their decision with their physician and consider seeing a hernia massage specialist.
Maintain A Good Diet:
It’s important to avoid certain foods when suffering from hernia symptoms. Sugary, fatty, starchy, and high acidic foods and alcoholic and carbonated beverages can make acid reflux or GERD symptom flareups, pain, and indigestion much worse and more frequent in people with hernias. A diet rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, C, D, B-12, potassium, fiber, calcium, etc. can help keep symptoms at bay. Bananas, whole grains, vegetables, carrots, apples, etc. are beneficial for alleviating hernia pain. Maximum hydration is also advised to prevent constipation and digestive issues that can trigger symptom flareups.
Use a Truss, Belts or Binding:
Trusses, belts, and compression binding can help make small and nonserious hernias and their symptoms more manageable by providing additional support for the weakened muscles. They can even help to minimize or disguise any unsightly bulges in the abdomen or groin areas.
Maintain a Healthy Weight:
Being overweight increases the chances of hernias developing where the muscles are weak in the diaphragm, abdomen, and groin areas. The more excess weight one has, the weaker and more damaged those muscles become. A healthy weight is necessary to help decrease the stress, pressure, and tension on the muscles in the groin, diaphragm, and abdomen areas to keep hernias from progressing and growing larger. Some people experience a decrease in hernia symptoms and pain after losing excess weight and achieving a healthy BMI.
Get Surgery:
Many relief measures are dependent on the location or type of hernia and type of pain or discomfort caused. Patients with hernias should not rely on the above tactics for long-term hernia relief or symptom management. The most effective way to eliminate hernia pain is surgery. Not only does surgery address the symptoms, but it also reinforces and repairs the opening in the muscular wall and ensures the intestines or organs affected are healthy and back in the proper place.
Patients can opt for open, laparoscopic, or robotic-assisted hernia repair surgery for relief. Surgery is often required because hernias don’t always go away on their own. Many people with hernias often learn of their situation during routine medical procedures for other health concerns. Treatment is determined by the size, type, and location of the hernia. Large hernias or multiple hernias tend to respond more favorably to open or traditional surgery. Though most patients qualify for surgery, a comprehensive evaluation and diagnostics are necessary to determine specific and most advantageous recommendations.
Orange County Robotic General Surgery offers hernia patients medical and surgical treatment options to restore their health and improve their overall quality of life. We also specialize in treating many general health conditions problems, including gallbladder disease, acid reflux, and colorectal disease. Contact us at (714)-541-4996 to discuss your situation with Dr. Khosravi, M.D. to learn hernia repair solutions that work best for your health and situation.
Contact Us
To find out if inguinal hernia repair surgery is right for you, Contact Orange County General Robotic Surgery at (714) 706-1257 for a consultation with Dr. Abtin H. Khosravi.