A hernia is a tear or weakness in the wall of a muscle, tissue or membrane that secures an organ in place. Hernias generally occur because of a combination of straining, such as when lifting heavy objects, and muscle weakness. The majority of hernias occur in the abdomen, when a portion of an organ pushes through a weak area of muscle. Avoid certain types of physical activity when you have a hernia to prevent it from getting worse.
Considerations
Sports-related hernias occur when groin muscles are overused. Constant turning and twisting during sports such as tennis, ice hockey and soccer can overwork groin muscles and place stress on the lower-abdominal area, explains the American Osteopathic Association. Groin pain that persists over a period of weeks or months is a telltale symptom of a sports hernia. Hernia pain can get worse if you further engage in activities that involve kicking, sudden movements or acceleration.
When you have a hernia, avoid heavy lifting or similarly strenuous activities that increase abdominal pressure, advises Robert H. Shmerling, M.D., of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Limit workout routines that involve heavy lifting, pulling or pushing when you have a hernia because they can place pressure on the abdominal area and possibly increase the size of the hernia. If lifting something heavy is unavoidable, bend from your knees, not your waist, advises KidsHealth.org.
Recommendations
Exercises that don't place stress on the abdominal area are generally safe when you have a hernia. Walking, swimming and riding a stationary bike are aerobic exercises you can comfortably perform when you have a hernia. Swimming, in particular, allows the surrounding water to help control the hernia. Riding a stationary bike relaxes your abdominal muscles and encourages a hernia to stay in place. Walking is a low-impact activity that typically won't cause discomfort in the area of the hernia. Aim for 30 minutes of moderately intense aerobic exercise every other day.
Prevention
Exercising regularly to strengthen the pelvic muscles may help prevent a hernia. Perform pelvic tilts to strengthen your abdominal muscles. Lie on your back on the floor with your knees bent. Flatten your back against the floor, tighten your abdominal muscles and bend your pelvis up slightly. Hold for as long as 10 seconds. Repeat. Avoid heavy lifting and maintain a normal body weight.
Complications
While hernias are not normally dangerous, serious complications are possible. For example, a loop of intestine can become lodged in the tear in the lining of the abdomen, causing pain and blockage of the intestine,Surgery to repair the tear in the muscle wall is the usual treatment for a hernia. Contact your doctor if you notice heaviness, tenderness or a lump your groin area.
References
- Aetna Intelihealth; Inguinal Hernia; July 2010
- American Osteopathic Association: Misdiagnosed Muscle Strain Can Be A Pain
- Intelihealth.com; Lifting the Myth Off Hernias; Robert H. Shmerling, M.D.; January 2011
- KidsHealth.org; Hernias; September 2010
- Medline Plus; Hernia; June 2011
- NetDoctor.comUK; What Exercises Can Be Done With a Hernia?; February, 2006
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