Page 14 - 2022 - Q2 - Minerva in Focus

HEALTH & WELL BEING Can heavy lifting cause

an abdominal wall hernia?

A hernia is a protrusion of an organ or How are hernias created?
part of an organ through the wall of the
cavity that normally contains it. Our in- A hernia can be congenital or acquired. Congenital hernias are caused by defects in the
ternal organs are held in place inside anatomy. Acquired hernias, on the other hand, are formed when there is a loss of ab-
the abdomen by the abdominal wall, dominal wall integrity. When the intra-abdominal pressure rises, the abdominal muscles
a thick layer consisting of muscles, contract to counter the pressure from within. When the intra-abdominal pressure exceeds
fascia, and fat. An abdominal hernia is the abdominal wall pressure, a small rupture is caused at the weakest point, causing a
a weak spot or hole on that wall. hernia. In addition, hernias may occur in areas of the abdomen where an operation has
previously been performed (incisional hernias).

With that said, hernias can often occur when the pressure in the abdomen rises. That can
happen when we cough, lift weights or are constipated. Abdominal wall hernias are com-
monly classified by location or etiology (e.g., umbilical/ inguinal/ epigastric/ femoral/
incisional hernias). Inguinal (groin) hernias are the most common among men and quite
common in men who lift weights. A good percentage of these patients must lift weights at
work. Other quite common hernias are epigastric and incisional hernias..
Ηow do I know if I have a hernia?

A hernia can usually be palpated by the patient. The symptoms vary depending on its
size and location. Hernias can be completely asymptomatic; they can present just as a
slight bulge that is barely noticeable or cause a pulling sensation, pain - especially when
straining - and nausea or vomiting if part of the intestines is trapped inside the hernia..

When do I need to see a doctor?

Hernias, in their majority, do not require urgent medical care, but medical advice is always
recommended so that the correct diagnosis is made. However, there are alarming signs
that should not be ignored, suggesting a complicated hernia that might require immedi-
ate medical attention. If a tissue (e.g., part of the small intestines) gets trapped inside the
hernia, it might be strangulated and lose its blood supply. That will subsequently cause
necrosis, which can endanger the patient’s health if left untreated. Such a case would be
a medical emergency. The alarming signs of a hernia are severe continuous pain that is
not relieved, nausea and vomiting that might suggest obstruction, edema of the area and
signs of inflammation.
Treatment and prevention

The only way to treat a hernia is surgery. The surgeon will put the contents of the hernia
back in the abdomen and fix the deficit in the abdominal wall. Depending on the site and
size of the hernia, the surgery could be open, laparoscopic, or robotic.

Hernias can be prevented by maintaining the ideal body weight and a healthy diet with
enough fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to avoid constipation. Lifting weights as part of
your job or exercise routine should always be done carefully. Avoid straining your body with
more weight than you can handle. Avoid rushing and stop if you feel pain or discomfort.
An overview by Always bend your knees and avoid lifting with your waist. Try to warm up before starting
with your heavy duties.
Konstantinos Giannakopoulos
MD You should always work (or work out) safely!

14 MINERVA IN FOCUS – ISSUE 20 / Q2 2022