If only we knew how to repair a hernia without any surgical intervention, it would be amazing. Unfortunately, there’s no way to fix a hernia without surgery since it’s an issue caused by an anatomical defect.
You can manage the symptoms of your hernia with medications, but full recovery typically requires surgery.
This article will guide you through the ways you can temporarily relieve the effects of a hernia and when to visit a doctor.
Is it Possible to Reduce Hernia Without Surgery?
If your hernia is small, not causing any pain, and you’re able to delay surgery, there are ways to manage the symptoms and minimize its impact. However, the best way to fully address a hernia is through surgery.
Many use trusses, herbal medications, and manual manipulation in an attempt to reduce hernia without surgery, which are not ideal helpers in solving the hernia problem.
Trusses are supportive garments that can push the bulging hernia back to its position and offer temporary relief. However, improper usage of the truss could cause skin irritation and more uncomfortable situations.
Herbal supplements can’t actually push a hernia back into place or fix the weak area. In fact, some herbal remedies might even interfere with the effectiveness of the medications you’re currently taking.
Manual manipulation of the hernia by pushing it back to its place can sometimes cause the hernia to get strangulated or injure the surrounding tissues.
How to Temporarily Reduce Hernia Pain?
There are some remedies to relieve hernia pain temporarily. Those include:
- Avoiding lifting heavy weights
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Modifying your diet
- Exercising
- Using an ice pack
- Following up with the healthcare provider
1.Avoid Lifting Heavy Weights
Avoiding lifting heavy weights is crucial to prevent your hernia from getting severe. Once you are diagnosed with a hernia, stay away from lifting weights that could potentially strain it.
2.Maintain a Healthy Weight
People with a BMI (Body Mass Index) that is not ideal for their health can suffer from straining their hernia. So, if you are obese, try reducing some weight through an appropriate diet. This will help prevent your hernia from getting complicated easily.
3.Modify Your Diet
Stick to a hernia-friendly diet to help avoid issues like heartburn, indigestion, constipation, and bloating, which could worsen your hernia. There are specific foods you should steer clear of once diagnosed with a hernia. Pay close attention to your diet during this time to minimize discomfort and stay symptom-free.
4.Exercising
Regular exercise can improve your overall fitness and even aid in healthy digestion. Light activities like walking, cycling, and swimming are great ways to start, and can be done with your doctor’s approval. However, for gym enthusiasts, focusing on strenuous workouts might not be ideal. Lifting heavy weights with weak core muscles can increase the risk of hernias. Before you begin any new exercise routine, especially weightlifting, it’s essential to check in with your doctor. This helps ensure you’re using the correct form and reduces the risk of injury.
5.Using an Ice Pack
Using an ice pack can help relieve any burning sensation you might feel in the hernia area. You can also apply cooling gels to that area.
6.Follow-up with Healthcare Provider
Following up with a healthcare provider is the best way to counter the side effects of a hernia. Opt for prescribed medications rather than over-the-counter medications to help you with relieving pain and other side effects of the hernia.
When to Visit a Doctor?
See a doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Dizziness, etc.
These symptoms indicate that your hernia might have been incarcerated, obstructed, or strangulated.
Conclusion
Reducing a hernia without surgery may not always be possible, but managing hernia without surgery through certain remedies can help alleviate some of the symptoms and discomfort. However, it’s important to recognize that these approaches are not permanent solutions.
Don’t hesitate to consider surgery if you need to repair your hernia. The field of medicine has advanced surgery option and new techniques today that can help you repair your hernia effectively. By choosing elective hernia surgery, you can avoid complications and address the issue with minimally invasive techniques.
So, repair your hernia as early as possible using minor surgeries and lead a hernia-free life.
FAQs
No, hernias do not go away on their own, as they are anatomical defects. You can use medications to reduce the effects of the hernia, but you must undergo surgery to get complete relief from hernia.
You can do low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, light jogging, cycling, and other exercises that your healthcare provider has consented to while you have been diagnosed with a hernia. However, there is no guarantee that these exercises will reduce the effects of your hernia symptoms.
There are no effective non-surgical hernia treatments available so far. By using trusses or herbal supplements, you may miss addressing the root cause of the hernia and fail to repair it completely. Also, as an anatomical defect, hernias require surgical intervention for complete repair.
