That’s one of the most common questions doctors hear when it comes to hernias. Unfortunately, the answer is no. While a hernia cannot heal itself, it can almost always be treated effectively with surgery. If left untreated, however, a hernia can cause serious complications, such as a bowel obstruction (resulting in severe pain, nausea or constipation), or intestinal strangulation, if the trapped section of the intestines does not get enough blood. That’s why it’s important to seek medical attention right away if you think you may have a hernia.
Tips to temporarily relieve hernia pain:
Some hernias require immediate surgery, but depending on the type of hernia you have and its severity, there are some home treatment options and measures you can take to relieve hernia pain temporarily until you can be treated by an experienced hernia surgeon. Here are some tips we recommend:
Avoid lifting heavy objects, and strenuous exercise or activity.
These activities may result in increased pressure and strain that could worsen your hernia. Stick to light and low-impact exercises like walking or swimming. And listen to your body; if an exercise or activity is causing discomfort, avoid it until you can seek treatment.
Treating a Hernia
Maintain a healthy weight.
Extra weight can exacerbate hernia pain. If you have a hernia and you’re overweight, shedding a few extra pounds may improve hernia symptoms and can help you avoid complications such as strangulation.
Modify your diet.
Diet can play a big role in controlling hernia symptoms. This is especially true for those with Hiatal hernias, where part of the stomach bulges upward through an opening in the diaphragm. Avoiding foods high in acidity as well as others associated with heartburn and indigestion can also help. Additionally, eating smaller meals and avoiding foods that may cause constipation can also provide relief for other types of hernias.
Use an ice pack.
If you have a hernia in the abdomen or groin, applying an ice pack to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Visit a Hernia Surgeon
Although the tips above may provide non-surgical relief from hernia symptoms, these measures are not intended to replace the need for surgery. You may be able to delay surgery, but the only way to effectively repair a hernia is to have surgery. The good news, however, is that in most cases hernia surgery is minimally invasive and offers a short recovery time. Surgery will enable you to get back to the activities you enjoy, pain-free.
Choose the Hernia Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center for Your Hernia Repair.
The Hernia Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) is recognized by Surgical Review Corporation as a Center of Excellence for its commitment to providing the highest quality of care for patients who undergo hernia surgery.
As a designated Center of Excellence for Hernia Surgery, NGMC’s surgical outcomes are higher than the national average, while our complication rates remain much lower. Our experienced surgeons have performed more than 5,900 minimally invasive hernia repairs and more than 1,500 robotic hernia repairs using the da Vinci surgical system.
At the Hernia Center of NGMC, our surgeons have demonstrated low complication rates, with less than one percent returning to the operating room, less than one percent being readmitted to the hospital, and less than one percent developing a recurring hernia.
Get Started Today
Learn more about the Hernia Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center or call 770-219-4040 to speak to our care team about questions or to schedule an appointment.