Hernias
Please remember the advice we give is general and not meant to be used as a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you want specific advice then please seek help from your doctor or local physio.
A hernia is the result of abdominal contents pushing through a weakness in the abdominal wall, often in the groin. They are quite common. In some cases they cause pain, whilst in other cases they are asymptomatic.
Risk factors for hernias
- Genetics
- Connective tissue disorders
- Age is risk factor
- Previous hernia
It's reassuring to know that the development of a hernia is very unlikely to be due to a single strenuous event, nor by cumulative stress on the abdominal wall. In other words, they aren't caused by anything per se. They are just something that happens.
Management of hernias
- If your hernia is causing you pain, you need to have a discussion with your doctor about the best approach to take. There are better outcomes following elective surgery than with emergency surgery, so your doctor might recommend having the surgery before the symptoms worsen.
- If your hernia is not causing you any problems (about 1/3 of hernia's are asymptomatic), you can continue with your program and keep an eye on it. If symptoms develop, you should speak to your doctor.
Summary
You can continue your exercise program with an asymptomatic hernia, but if you develop symptoms you need to speak to your doctor.
References
HerniaSurge Group (2018). International guidelines for groin hernia management. Hernia : the journal of hernias and abdominal wall surgery, 22(1), 1–165. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10029-017-1668-x
Pathak, S., & Poston, G. J. (2006). It is highly unlikely that the development of an abdominal wall hernia can be attributable to a single strenuous event. Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, 88(2), 168–171. https://doi.org/10.1308/003588406X95093