Despite the folklore about heavy lifting causing hernias, the reality is that most hernias are the result of a defect or weakness that exists long before the hernia appears. Sometimes the muscle weakness is present at birth; more often, it occurs later in life. All hernias are caused by a combination of pressure and opening or weakness of muscle and fascia (a tough connective tissue that surrounds the muscle). The area can also be weakened by age, injury or a previous surgical incision. Heavy lifting or other strenuous activities can also aggravate hernias. Although hernias are more common in men than in women, they can develop in anyone. Anything that causes an increase in pressure in the abdomen can cause a hernia. Risk factors include a number of things that can put additional strain on the abdominal wall, such as:
- A chronic cough, such as smoker’s cough
- Obesity
- Straining during bowel movements or while urinating
- Pregnancy
- Straining to lift heavy objects
- Persistent sneezing like those caused by allergies
Sometimes there is little you can do to avoid getting some hernias, however, you can do things to reduce strain on your abdominal muscles and tissues like:
- Practicing good nutrition
- Avoiding constipation
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Exercising regularly
- Using proper lifting techniques
- Not smoking
