With spring well and truly underway, you might be gearing up for that annual spring clean. While giving the home or garage a thorough seasonal clean can be great for the mind and body, it can also lead to muscle strain injuries.
Some people have even brought on a hernia doing a spring clean. So, why could cleaning the home cause or aggravate a hernia?
What causes a hernia?
Hernias develop when fatty tissue or an organ pushes through weak spots in surrounding tissue or muscle. There are different types of hernias you can develop, such as inguinal, femoral, and hiatal. Inguinal hernias are the most common, affecting the inner groin. They tend to be more common in men who are naturally weaker within this area.
There are many causes of hernias with some of the most common including:
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Incorrect lifting of heavy objects
- Persistent sneezing or coughing
Smoking, a poor diet, and obesity all cause the muscles to weaken, increasing the risk of developing a hernia.
All hernias are basically caused by pressure placed onto the weakened muscles and tissue. So, vigorous exercise could also contribute; particularly if you are getting back to exercise after a long period of time off.
The danger of exercising with an existing hernia
While it is possible to work out safely with a hernia, it can be potentially dangerous. Ideally, you should get the hernia repaired before you consider regular exercise. You should also be especially wary of carrying out core exercises which put a strain on the abdomen.
What are your treatment options?
If you are diagnosed with a hernia, there are several treatment options available. Surgery tends to be most effective, and there are a number of techniques the surgeon can use.
Laparoscopic techniques are minimally invasive procedures that allow the surgeon to work through small incisions. This type of procedure tends to result in a shorter recovery time, and fewer complications. However, not all patients will be suitable candidates for this type of surgery.
Another option is open surgery. This type of procedure is especially ideal for patients who have large or several hernias. Those who have had abdominal surgery previously may also need the open technique. This is because using a minimally invasive technique could prove dangerous due to the scar tissue left over from the previous surgery.
With both techniques, mesh is typically used to reinforce and secure the hernia. This helps to prevent the issue from recurring. Not all hernia repairs will require mesh, but your surgeon will let you know what your surgery will involve.
So, if you are planning on doing a spring clean, be mindful not to do it too strenuously. If you do have a hernia, it is important to get it repaired as soon as possible to prevent it from worsening. Hernias do not get better on their own.
Book a consultation and speak to Mr Alan Woodward if you have any questions about hernia surgery.
