What can you take for hernia pain? Learn about effective ways to relieve hernia pain temporarily before surgery. Find out the causes and symptoms of different types of hernias and how to manage them.

Understanding Hernias and Their Symptoms

A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue protrudes through an abnormal opening or weakened area in the body’s natural muscular or connective structures. The most common types of hernias are inguinal (in the groin), femoral (in the upper thigh), umbilical (around the belly button), and hiatal (in the diaphragm). Hernias can cause a variety of symptoms depending on their location and severity, including a noticeable bulge, aching, burning, or sharp pain, especially when lifting, bending, or straining.

Temporary Relief for Hernia Pain

While a hernia cannot heal itself and will require surgical repair, there are some at-home measures you can take to temporarily relieve hernia pain and discomfort before seeking treatment:

Avoid Heavy Lifting and Strenuous Activities

Engaging in activities that put added pressure on the abdominal wall can worsen hernia symptoms. Instead, stick to light exercises like walking or swimming, and listen to your body – if an activity causes discomfort, avoid it until you can see a hernia specialist.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess weight can exacerbate hernia pain and increase the risk of complications. Losing a few extra pounds may help improve your symptoms and prevent further issues.

Modify Your Diet

For those with hiatal hernias, avoiding acidic, heartburn-triggering foods can provide relief. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and steering clear of constipation-causing foods may also help.

Apply Ice Packs

Applying an ice pack to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with a hernia.

Take Over-the-Counter Medications

If recommended by your doctor, medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may temporarily alleviate mild hernia-related pain and discomfort.

The Importance of Hernia Repair Surgery

While the above measures can provide temporary relief, the only way to effectively treat a hernia is through surgical repair. Delaying treatment can lead to serious complications, such as a bowel obstruction or intestinal strangulation. It’s crucial to choose an experienced hernia surgeon who specializes in the latest minimally invasive techniques to ensure the best possible outcome and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Finding an Experienced Hernia Specialist

At the Hernia Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center, our team of highly skilled and experienced hernia surgeons perform a high volume of hernia repairs each month, using state-of-the-art open, laparoscopic, and robotic techniques. Our surgeons have been recognized for their quality outcomes and expertise, making them the ideal choice for your hernia treatment.

Hernia FAQ: How to Relieve Hernia Pain

What kind of pain does an inguinal hernia cause? An inguinal hernia can lead to a feeling of heaviness, pressure, or even sharp pain in the groin area. This is due to the bulging contents of the hernia compressing the blood vessels, spermatic cord, and nerves that travel through the inguinal canal.

How can I temporarily relieve inguinal hernia pain? Until you can see a hernia specialist, you can try applying ice packs to the affected area, taking over-the-counter pain medication, and avoiding activities that put strain on the abdominal wall, such as heavy lifting. However, these measures are only temporary and do not replace the need for surgical hernia repair.

Can I delay hernia surgery? While you may be able to temporarily manage hernia symptoms, the only effective long-term solution is surgical repair. Delaying treatment can lead to serious complications, so it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as you suspect you have a hernia.

How do I choose the best hernia surgeon? Look for a surgeon who specializes in hernia repairs and performs a high volume of these procedures each month. At the Hernia Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center, our experienced team of hernia specialists use the latest minimally invasive techniques to provide the highest quality care and reduce the risk of recurrence.