About 5 million Americans develop hernias ever year, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. A hernia occurs when part of an organ protrudes through its own wall or when an organ or tissue protrudes from a weak spot in the abdominal wall. When part of the stomach protrudes through the opening, or hiatus, at the esophagus or diaphragm, that's a hiatal hernia, explains the Milton S. Hershey Center at Penn State. Exercise can cause or worsen hernias.
Risk Factors
Women are more likely to get hiatal hernias than men, according to the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Children can also develop hiatal hernias. Your risk of suffering from this condition also increases as you get older or obese or if you've had abdominal surgery.
Causes
Weakness in the muscle tissue where the diaphragm opens up and where the esophagus passes into the stomach is one of the causes of hiatal hernias, according to the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. This weakness may be present from the time you're born, or it may develop as a result of being overweight or obese, pregnant or straining when you have a bowel movement. Physical activities that put pressure on your abdomen or lifting heavy objects can be to blame.
Exercises to Avoid
Any exercise that involves heavy lifting, pulling or pushing is off limits when you have a hiatal hernia. These exercises close off your throat, which bumps up abdominal pressure and the size of your hernia, states NetDoctor.co.uk. Examples of these exercises include push-ups, chin-ups, weight lifting or using weight-training machines such as leg-press machines.
Exercises that Help
As being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing a hernia and makes it worse by increasing abdominal pressure, losing weight is an effective remedy. Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise such as walking and casual cycling or swimming helps you to burn calories and lose weight. Perform these exercises for at least 30 minutes at a steady pace.
Medical Advice
Consult your doctor for a check-up before beginning an exercise program, especially if you've been sedentary for a while. Your doctor can also recommend other treatment strategies beyond exercise to cure your hernia. Ask about dietary changes, such as limiting spicy food, that can provide relief and help you to lose weight.
