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Can a Hernia Cause Back Pain? - Premier Pain Centers

A hernia is a condition where a part of the body, usually a muscle or tissue, protrudes through an opening. Can a hernia cause back pain? We will discuss it in this article. When you have a hernia, the tissue that normally holds your intestines in place (the intestine) bulges out of the opening in your abdomen. This can cause back pain if the bulging hernia presses on or irritates your spine. If you have back pain caused by a hernia, there are several things you can do to treat it.

What is a Hernia?

If you've experienced a sudden pain in your groin or a feeling as if something is going to tear, you might be right. A hernia is a weakness or tear in the abdominal muscle wall that normally holds the inner lining of the abdomen and internal organs in place (ie, inside where they belong). A weakness or tear allows the inner lining to protrude and create a pouch. The bulge you can see is usually a loop of intestine protruding through the tear in the muscle and into this pouch. Contrary to popular myth (about lifting heavy objects), you did not cause your hernia. Most people are born with a weakness in the muscle that eventually loosens, or an opening that didn't close before birth (as is usually the case).

Types of Hernia

  • Inguinal Hernia: In men, the inguinal canal is the passageway for the spermatic cord and blood vessels leading to the testicles. In women, the inguinal canal contains a round ligament that provides support for the uterus. In an inguinal hernia, fatty tissue or part of the intestine extends into the groin at the top of the inner thigh.

  • Femoral Hernia: Fatty tissue or part of the intestine protrudes into the groin at the top of the inner thigh. Femoral hernias are much less common than inguinal hernias and mainly affect older women.

  • Umbilical Hernia: Fatty tissue or part of the intestine pushes through the abdomen near the belly button (belly button).

  • Hiatal (hiatus) Hernia: Part of the stomach pushes up into the chest cavity through an opening in the diaphragm (the horizontal sheet of muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen).

Other Types Of Hernias Include:

  • Incisional Hernia: Tissue protrudes through the abdominal scar site from distant abdominal or pelvic surgery.

  • Epigastric Hernia: Fatty tissue protrudes through the abdominal area between the navel and the bottom of the sternum (breastbone).

  • Spigelian Hernia: The intestine pushes through the abdomen on the side of the abdominal muscle below the navel.

  • Diaphragmatic Hernia: Abdominal organs move into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm.

Have A Look at Symptoms

  • Weakness: A feeling of muscle fatigue and weakness in the upper leg and groin can be a sign of a hernia.

  • Nausea And Vomiting: Although not usually considered a hernia symptom, an irritated stomach can indicate a serious condition known as an incarcerated hernia. In this case, the hernia will not go back into place with gentle pressure and may require immediate medical attention.

  • Fever: A fever with a hernia is a bad combination. This can mean a “strangulated” hernia that does not have enough blood flow. However, back pain and nausea may also be a symptom.

  • Pain Under Certain Conditions: If you have pain when lifting heavy objects or pressure in your abdomen when you bend over, this could be a silent symptom of a hernia. Other common symptoms may include pain when coughing or tightness in the groin or abdomen.

  • Constipation: Be aware that constipation can mean a blockage in the colon that interferes with digestion. In addition, it will be difficult to pass gas.

  • Heartburn: Of course, heartburn can cause many problems, but one of them can be a hernia. A hiatal hernia in the upper abdomen can cause heartburn along with chest pain. It allows stomach acid to leak into the esophagus and causes inflammation that mimics heartburn.

  • Feeling Full: An inguinal hernia can make someone feel like they have a huge meal when they really haven't. This very common type of hernia can also make you feel bloated with pain in your groin and lower abdomen.

Can Hernia Cause Back Pain?

Can a hernia cause back pain? First of all, know that. There are several types of hernias including – inguinal hernias, hiatal hernias, umbilical hernias, ventral hernias, femoral hernias, or epigastric hernias. An inguinal hernia is the most common abdominal hernia found in individuals, which generally develops when part of the small intestine pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall near the groin. A hernia is a medical condition that may be present at birth or may develop over time. It is more common in men compared to women. Many people feel pressure or pain in the affected area. However, an individual may also experience pain in the lower or middle back which might feel like the back is killing me. Although it is generally not easy to decide whether a hernia is the cause of back pain.

What Is a Spinal Hernia and How Does It Differ from Abdominal Hernias?

A herniated disc is also called a herniated disc, slipped disc, herniated disc, and ruptured disc. This condition develops when the gel-like substance inside the discs that cushion each of the bones in your vertebrae begins to push out the side through a weakened area of ​​the disc's outer band. Because the spinal canal is narrow, a slipped disc often puts pressure on a spinal nerve, causing back pain. Sometimes people will feel some numbness or tingling.

A Herniated Disc Is Similar In Principle to an Abdominal Hernia

Something inside is trying to get out and the result is pain. But the location varies, as does the substance trying to migrate beyond its usual boundaries. In an abdominal hernia, a structure inside the abdominal cavity pushes through a weakened area of ​​muscle or other tissue in your abdominal wall, creating a bulge or bulge. However, dorsalgia may also be a cause. Aside from that, A herniation can occur in any disc in any part of your spine. The most common place for a herniated disc is the lower back. If it is not pressing on a nerve, you may only experience mild back pain in the lower back. But sometimes the disc ruptures and puts pressure on one or more of the lumbar nerve roots, which join together to become your sciatic nerve, which is a very long nerve that runs through your hips and buttocks and down your legs. Then you may have to brace yourself for some serious pain and discomfort that radiates from your lower back into your buttocks, legs, and calves. This radiating pain is known as radiculopathy.

Will It Get Worse?

Yes, A hernia will not go away on its own and almost always gets worse the longer it is ignored. The crack gets bigger, and the bigger the crack, the bigger the surgery needed to repair it. What started as pressure or discomfort can turn into pain. The pain doesn't just have to be in the area of ​​the hernia; it can radiate to the hip, back, legs – even the genitals. As your hernia worsens, many aspects of your life will worsen along with it. Even if it's not painful (yet), the sensation and pressure can cause you to avoid certain activities.

How Can We Treat It?

Hernias usually don't get better on their own, and surgery may be the only way to fix them. However, your pain specialist in Dallas will recommend the best therapy for your hernia and may refer you to a surgeon. If the surgeon thinks that your hernia needs to be repaired, then the surgeon will customize the method of repair that best suits your needs. In the case of an umbilical hernia in a child, surgery may be recommended if the hernia is large or if it does not heal by the age of 4 to 5 years. By this age, the child can usually avoid surgical complications.

One of Three Types of Hernia Surgery Can Be Performed

  • Open surgery, in which an incision is made into the body at the site of the hernia. The protruding tissue is set back in place and the weakened muscle wall is stitched back together. Sometimes a type of mesh is implanted in the area to provide additional support.

  • Laparoscopic surgery involves the same type of repair. However, instead of making an incision on the outside of the abdomen or groin, small incisions are made to allow surgical instruments to be inserted to complete the procedure.

  • Robotic hernia repair, like laparoscopic surgery, uses a laparoscope and is done through small incisions. In robotic surgery, the surgeon sits at a console in the operating room and manipulates surgical instruments from the console.

What Can Happen If a Hernia Is not Treated?

Other than umbilical hernias in babies, hernias will not disappear on their own. Over time, a hernia can grow larger and more painful or can develop complications. Complications of an untreated inguinal or femoral hernia may include:

  • Obstruction (incarceration): Part of the intestine becomes stuck in the inguinal canal, causing nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and a painful lump in the groin.

  • Strangulation: Part of the intestine is trapped in a way that cuts off its blood supply. In such cases, emergency surgery (within hours of occurring) is necessary to prevent tissue death.

How Can a Hernia Cause Back Pain Be Prevented?

  • Maintain an ideal body weight with a healthy diet and exercise.

  • Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to avoid constipation.

  • Use proper form when lifting weights or heavy objects. Avoid lifting anything that is beyond your capabilities.

  • See your pain doctor in Dallas if you are sick with a persistent cough or sneeze.

  • Do not smoke, as this habit can lead to coughing, which triggers a hernia.

Dr. Rao K. Ali M.D.

Dr. Rao Ali, a board-certified pain management physician, leads the clinic, which specializes in nonsurgical treatment. The physician has experience in the emergency room as well as training in pain management and rehabilitation. As a personal physician, he works with each patient to develop a treatment plan that will minimize or eliminate their pain. Providing expert diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of conditions, Pain Management In Dallas, PA provides a comprehensive range of services. These services include neck pain, back pain, hip and knee pain, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, complex regional pain syndrome, headaches, migraines, and many others.