Living with a Hernia: Tips for Managing Pain and Discomfort

 

Living with a hernia is difficult as it is an uncomfortable condition that can be painful in nature and will stop you from doing daily activities. The key to quality hernia symptom management and limiting distress is an enhanced comprehension of how hernia symptoms can be managed until sought treatment or recovery from surgery. To help you live with a hernia and reduce the pain and discomfort, there are some lessons I learned over the past few months that will help keep your symptoms to a minimum.

Understanding Hernias

A hernia is when an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak place in the muscle or connective tissue that surrounds it. Examples of hernia types include inguinal (inner hip), hiatal (upper stomach), umbilical (near the gut catch) and incisional (at the site of prior surgery). Symptoms can include a bulge that is visible from the outside, pain or discomfort (especially when bending over, coughing, and lifting), and heaviness in the abdomen.

How to Handle Pain and Discomfort

1. Avoid Heavy Lifting

Preventing Heavy Lifting is one of the best ways to control hernia pain. Lifting heavy objects can make the hernia worse causing more pain and even complications. When you do lift, bend at the knees (not your back), and keep the object close to your body.

2. Wear a Supportive Garment

A hernia belt or truss which is a supportive garment worn on the outside of your body can help to reduce pain and discomfort by applying gentle pressure to keep the hernia in place. These clothes are very useful, especially while doing physical activities as they work as an extra layer of support and stop you from unnecessary pulling.

3. Modify Your Diet

There is some evidence that certain foods can make esophageal spasms worse in people who have a hiatal hernia Additionally, you should also limit your intake of acid reflux-triggering foods as these can worsen mouth sores like spicy items, citrus fruits, and fatty or fried products. In addition, eating smaller portions of food more often can aide in reducing the pressure on your abdomen. Preventing constipation from good hydration and eating plenty of high-fiber foods will make bowel movements easier, reducing straining.

4. Practice Gentle Exercises

While you should stay away from heavy workouts, moderate exercise like walking, swimming or yoga can strengthen the muscles surrounding the hernia and improve core strength to prevent or reduce discomfort. Remember to speak with your healthcare provider before beginning exercise to make sure it is safe for your situation.

5. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Pregnancy and obesity: Extra pounds add strain on the abdominal muscles, which can make hernia symptoms worse. Maintain a balanced lifestyle that also includes healthy diet and exercise to keep off extra pounds, making those hernias less troublesome.

6. Use Pain Relief Medications

To alleviate hernia pain, use over-the-counter pain relief medications like acetaminjson or ibuprofen. But remember to take these drugs as recommended — and follow up with your doctor to be sure they are right for you

7. Elevate the Head of Your Bed

If you have a hiatal hernia, raising the head of your bed 6 to 8 inches helps prevent acid reflux and eases symptoms during rest by keeping food in the stomach where it belongs. To provide relief from your nighttime symptoms, use a wedge pillow or an adjustable bed that will give you this elevation.

8. Apply Cold or Heat

A cold pack can help minimize swelling and numb the pain in the affected area A warm compress, on the other hand, can help soothe tense muscle and ease symptoms of pain. Test both ways which one gives relief per your status.

Seeking Professional Help

Although these strategies can help alleviate the symptoms of hernia pain, it is very necessary for those to consult with some best hernia specialist doctor, in terms of diagnosis and treatment plan. Hernias Won't Heal Up on Their Own: Without treatment, hernias can lead to strangulation, where the blood supply to the affected tissue is cut off.

Habilite Clinics: Your Hernia Management Partner

We offer individualized care that begins with the only comprehensive hernia and diaphragm program in the region, found at Habilite Clinics. Dr. Kapil Agrawal is a board certified and fellowship trained in advance laparoscopic & minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Agrawal takes a caring standpoint so patient always gets emotional backup during their travel of treatment.