Doubling over in abdominal pain when you cough? Sensing a dragging, heavy feeling in your abdomen? Chances are you might have a hernia that requires medical attention. Hernias often affect people above fifty years of age and exercising with a hernia can be dangerous if not done right.

What is a hernia?

A hernia is essentially the protrusion of an organ like the stomach or intestines through the wall of tissue meant to keep it in place. A range of hernias exist, however, the most common, called an inguinal hernia, will often result in a visible bulge in the lower abdomen, upper thigh, or groin. This lump may be able to be pushed back in and sustained with abdominal hernia belts however symptoms may accompany it including burning, aching, and pain at the site of the hernia as well as weakness, heaviness, and discomfort when bending over or coughing.

What causes a hernia?

Before attempting exercise with a hernia, it’s important to understand the risk factors which caused it in the first place. Most commonly, hernias result from a combination or weakened tissue in or around the abdomen and exertion, like with lifting something heavy or chronically coughing. Some women can get hernias towards the end of their pregnancy and while giving birth; exercising post natal can be even more difficult if this has happened.

The strain on the abdomen from pulling or lifting heavy loads can tear vulnerable tissues and allow the intestines to pop through. Normally this might simply require time and monitoring to prevent further injury, however, in some cases the loop of intestines can get strangulated, cutting off blood flow and leading to permanent tissue damage. Hernias in the body can happen in the spine as well, also known as a herniated disc, which is handled by a spinal doctor. Exacerbating a hernia with strenuous exercises will do more harm than good and can result in life-threatening complications. While they can be surgically repaired, in-depth medical intervention best to be avoided as reparation involves a type of hernia mesh that’s yielded many class-action lawsuits. 

Can I exercise with a hernia?

Talk with your doctor about fitness and managing your hernia prior to attempting any exercise routine, however, know that a hernia doesn’t have to sideline any and all physical activity. Low-impact exercises that don’t require lifting weights and which don’t specifically engage the site of your hernia and surrounding muscles are a good idea.

Research conducted by Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas found that the patients who have access to an Elliptical Machine, Treadmill or Recumbent Bike have a faster recovery time. As many of the best elliptical under 500 dollars are quite available nowadays, patients can easily buy one for their home gym to reduce the recovery time.

Water-based activities like pool running or water aerobics are smart and weightless alternatives to high-impact running or soccer for example, while walking, dancing, or riding a recumbent bike can also provide a pain-free exercise experience to keep your health and fitness goals on track.

In addition to avoiding lifting weight, people with abdominal hernias should skip exercises which target strain to the abdomen, like crunches, some yoga positions, and HIIT (high intensity interval training). After your hernia is healed, you can work towards re-strengthening abdominal walls to prevent future hernias with core exercises, stretching, and weight-lifting.

What other considerations should I keep in mind?

Daily aerobic exercise and the use of supplements like meticore can play a critical role in helping you keep off unwanted weight and lowering risk for ailments including high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Don’t let a hernia keep you from staying active and become your reason for gaining weight. The larger your waistline grows, the worse a hernia can grow, and the harder it will be for surgeons to successfully repair it. If surgical intervention is needed, you then run the risk of post-surgery dangers where some people have even received hernia mesh lawsuit settlements.

Sitting and standing positions during physical activity which relax the abdominal muscles are going to take it the easiest on an abdominal hernia. Bending, stooping, and hunching postures on the flipside can cause moderate to severe pain and potentially worsen an existing hernia.

Don’t ignore pain when it comes to exercising with a hernia. Sudden, sharp pain at the hernia site as well as radiating pain which comes and goes can indicate complications with your hernia like incarceration or strangulation. Select one of the many General Physicians in your area right away if you develop painful symptoms or see a dark discoloration of the hernia bulge.

Men develop abdominal hernias far more than women and most often when not in great shape and attempting to move, push, pull, or lift something heavy. If you like to lift weights but are afraid of developing a hernia, don’t fret. Lifting when done with proper technique can actually help strengthen abdominal walls to prevent hernias, as can dynamic warm-ups and knowing your limits to avoid injury. Sync up with a knowledgeable instructor or personal trainer to tackle the best technique and form for lifting weights that won’t result in a hernia.