5 Ways to Prevent Hernia Surgery

Hernia surgery is no fun. No one wants to go through surgery if it is not needed. Unfortunately, once someone gets a hernia, the only way to repair is to get hernia surgery. One of the most common types of hernias is an inguinal hernia. Many times these hernias are unpreventable, but there are some suggestions to follow to try to prevent inguinal hernia surgery.

The first way to prevent inguinal hernia surgery is to use proper body posture when lifting heavy objects. The rule of thumb is to lift with the legs. Lifting with the back is potentially dangerous and may lead to hernia surgery. There are special lifting belts that are designed to help you maintain the proper positioning when lifting weights.

Another way to prevent hernia surgery is to keep your weight under control. Becoming overweight produces stress on the abdomen and increases the risk for an inguinal hernia. Not only is a healthy weight good for your heart, but it is also good for hernia prevention.

Although being overweight can cause an inguinal hernia, reduce the urge to quickly lose weight if you are obese. Rapid weight loss can be damaging and may lead to hernia surgery. Many times when someone loses weight too quickly they lack protein for building muscles. This causes the abdomen to weaken and can lead to an inguinal hernia, and later surgery.

I’m sure you can think of many reasons to avoid constipation. The prevention of hernia surgery is another one to add to your list. Someone who is constipated strains during bowel movements. This puts stress on the abdomen and can cause an inguinal hernia. Inguinal hernias need surgery to be repaired.

As if smoking needed another enemy, it has been put on the list of habits that can create a hernia. Smokers are known for the “smoker’s cough”. This constant coughing, again, puts stress on the inner abdomen wall and can create the need for hernia repair surgery.

You may not be able to completely prevent hernias, but by following these recommendations you will lower your chance of needing hernia surgery.