Most hernias occur in the lower abdominal area near the groin when part of an organ pushes through a fragile area of muscle. Straining from heavy lifting and muscle weakness are common culprits of a hernia. Using force during a bowel movement or when coughing or sneezing can also cause a hernia. While it's important to use caution when exercising with a hernia, wearing a truss appears to be of little benefit. A truss is an elastic belt or brief worn to keep the hernia area flat.
Effects
Exercise belts such as those worn during weightlifting workouts are designed more for spine alignment than hernia protection, according to MayoClinic.com. An exercise belt can serve as a reminder to keep your spine in the proper position while lifting weights.
Misconceptions
A truss won't necessarily keep a hernia in place during exercise nor will it protect against complications such as pain and swelling in surrounding tissue, according to
MayoClinic.com. A truss should be used only under the advice of your health care provider. A doctor might recommend wearing a truss for a brief time before surgery.
Considerations
Aim for 30 minutes of moderately intense aerobic activity most days of the week.
Walking, swimming and bicycling are good exercise options when you have a hernia. Avoid exercises that involve pushing, pulling or heavy lifting, which can place undue stress on the abdominal area and can potentially enlarge the hernia.
Prevention/Outlook
Regular exercise can help prevent constipation and strengthen abdominal muscles, both of which lower your risk of developing a hernia. Exercises that improve flexibility and strengthen the pelvic area can also guard against hernias, according to the American Osteopathic Association. Pelvic tilt exercises can strengthen your abdominal muscles. Lie on your back with your knees bent. Tighten you abdominal muscles and bend your pelvis up slightly and hold for 10 seconds and repeat.
Talk to your health-care provider about a workout program that is best for you and whether wearing a truss to hold in a hernia during exercise would offer any real of benefit.
References
- KidsHealth.org; Hernias; September 2010
- American Osteopathic Association: Misdiagnosed Muscle Strain Can Be A Pain
- MayoClinic.com; Inguinal Hernia; November 2010
- Medline Plus; Hernia; June 2011
- NetDoctor.comUK; What Exercises Can Be Done With a Hernia?; February 2006
- MayoClinic.com; If I Lift Weights, Do I Need to Wear a Weighlifting Belt?; Edward R. Laskowski; August 2010
