A hernia occurs when an internal part such as an organ or a fatty tissue pushes through an opening in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place. The common types of hernias are an inguinal hernia (inner groin), incisional hernia (resulting from an incision), femoral hernia (outer groin), umbilical hernia (belly button), and hiatal hernia (upper stomach). Even though they are most common in the abdomen, hernias may appear in the upper thigh, belly button, and groin regions. If the opening in the abdomen through which the umbilical cord passes does not seal properly after birth, infants may also suffer from this condition. This condition occurs in adults if there is repeated strain on the abdomen. Most of the hernias are not immediately life-threatening, but they require surgical correction to prevent potentially dangerous complications as they will not go away on their own. You can do some exercises at home and make some lifestyle changes to cure a hernia without surgery.
Symptoms of a hernia
The symptoms of a hernia include a prominent swelling under the skin of the abdomen or the groin which can disappear when you lie down. The pain might be tender or sore. You might experience the feeling of a heavy weight in the abdomen which might be accompanied by constipation or blood in the stool. You may feel abdominal discomfort while coughing, lifting weights or bending over. You may also experience heartburn, acid reflux, chest pain, and difficulty in swallowing. For some people, there may be no visible symptoms of a hernia. It will show up only during a routine medical exam or a physical exam for some other medical issue.
Here are a few techniques that you can follow to cure a hernia without surgery:
Change eating practices
It is suggested to eat six small meals through the day — three main meals and three snacks in between. Having heavy meals is not recommended as this can lead to a backflow of stomach contents. Avoid eating spicy foods, soda, coffee or anything that can upset the gastric contents of your stomach. Taking antacids once a day before having meals can help in curing a hernia without surgery. Avoid lying down, bending over, or performing physical activities directly after a meal. These activities can also lead to a backflow of stomach contents.
Lose weight
Being overweight raises the pressure on the abdominal cavity and makes the intestine protrude, thus causing a hernia. One must consult their doctor before changing their diet and workout routine. People should try to weight gradually rather than opting for crash diets.
Wear a truss or brace to support a hernia
Wearing a supportive device like a truss or brace prevents a hernia from protruding. Although there isn’t any study about this, wearing a truss after manually maneuvering the hernia in place helps in relieving its symptoms. However, this is a painful and uncomfortable procedure.
Practice light exercises or yoga
A weak area such as the abdominal wall can result in the protrusion of an organ. So, the best way to cure a hernia without surgery is doing exercises that strengthen the body part in which a hernia can occur. Exercises like an inclined leg lift, cycling, pillow squeezes, mini-crunches, pool exercises, or doing yoga helps. Make sure to consult your healthcare provider before trying out any strenuous form of yoga as it is not recommended for some individuals. While doing yoga, perform the poses in the presence of a trained yoga instructor so that he or she can guide you along the way. Supported shoulder stand, fish pose, raised legs pose, wind-relieving pose, forward bends, and diamond pose are believed to relieve abdominal pressure, strengthen abdominal muscles, and compress the inguinal canal. Also, a simple walk for at least forty-five minutes daily at a brisk pace strengthens the upper and lower abdomen and the pelvic floor.
Follow healthier routines
To cure a hernia without surgery, avoid putting pressure on your muscles and your abdomen. Avoid lifting heavy objects. If you must lift a heavy object, try to do so by applying pressure to your knees and not your back. Bend low before picking up the object. Another non-surgical cure for a hernia is quitting smoking as this habit can lead to deterioration of not only your muscles but also other tissues in your body. Try to keep your immune system robust as far as possible since sneezing, coughing, and vomiting can strain your intestines and abdominal cavity. Also, avoid straining during bowel movements so that you do not put too much pressure on the abdominal area.
Even though a hernia may not seem grave initially, if left untreated, it may grow and become incredibly painful. It is better to consult your healthcare provider at the first sign of a hernia. If untreated, it may lead to obstruction in the bowel as well.
