You have likely heard the warning, "Take it easy or you'll give yourself a hernia." While most of the activities you perform on a daily basis are relatively harmless, strenuous exercises that target a herniated area can severely exacerbate the symptoms. However, by reducing abdominal strain and promoting a healthy weight through safe, routine exercise, you can strengthen abdominal muscles to prevent further protrusion in the future.
Description
A hernia is a condition resulting from the protrusion of an organ through the muscles or cavity surrounding it. Hernias are usually the result of weakened muscles in the abdominal wall, persistent or intense strain on the abdominal muscles or a congenital defect. Depending on the type of hernia and its severity, patients may experience pain, swelling, bulging at the herniation site, acid reflux, vomiting or no symptoms at all.
Types
Hernias commonly affect areas such as the groin, thigh and abdomen, which are known as inguinal, femoral and hiatal hernias, respectively. Inguinal and femoral hernias are typically a protrusion of the small intestine through the lower abdominal walls, while a hiatal hernia causes the stomach to protrude through the diaphragm, and in some cases into the chest cavity. Although any type of hernia can go unnoticed by the affected individual, inguinal and femoral hernias are more likely to develop serious complications, such as damage to surrounding tissue or intestinal strangulation.
Stomach Exercises
Movements such as bending, squatting and lifting heavy objects can aggravate existing hernias by placing pressure on the affected organs and enlarging the gap created by the protrusion. If the hernia hasn't caused any pain, it may be possible to perform exercises such as sit-ups and crunches, but you should always consult with a physician first. If you are experiencing hernia symptoms, it is important to avoid exercises such that close off the throat and obstruct breathing, placing more strain on the abdominal muscles. These include movements that require intense lifting, pushing or pulling.
Considerations
Excess fatty tissue around the abdomen is a risk factor for hernias, so despite the possibility of complications, it may be necessary for an obese patient to lose weight. Rather than focusing exclusively on stomach exercising, reduce your risk of exacerbating a hernia by concentrating on aerobic exercise, such as swimming. These exercises stimulate muscles throughout the body to promote weight loss while placing minimal pressure on the abdomen. If you choose to perform any weightlifting exercises, always bend at the knees and keep your back straight to reduce pressure on your lower torso.
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