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Hernias can occur in a number of different parts of the body. They can also cause pain and discomfort. This is because, during a hernia, the contents of one part of your body push through into surrounding tissue or muscle. Hernias can happen in the abdomen, around the belly button (umbilicus), in the groin area (femoral or inguinal), or at the stomach. If you have a stomach hernia (hiatal), you'll probably experience hyperacidity or acid reflux. Fortunately, you can manage the pain at home and make lifestyle changes to relieve some hernia discomfort.
Things You Should Know
- Apply an ice pack to the area for 10-15 minutes to relieve pain and swelling. You can do this 1-2 times per day.
- Take OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen to soothe mild to moderate pain. If you're in severe pain, see a doctor for something stronger.
- Try OTC antacids for reflux caused by a hiatal (stomach) hernia. If you have an inguinal (groin) hernia, talk to your doctor about wearing a truss.
Steps
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Use ice packs. If you're feeling relatively mild discomfort, apply an ice pack to the site of your hernia for 10 to 20 minutes. You can do this once or twice a day after approval from your doctor. Cold packs may reduce swelling and inflammation. [1] X Research source- Never apply ice or an ice pack directly to your skin. Make sure to wrap the ice pack in a thin cloth or towel before placing it on your skin. This will prevent damage to your skin tissue.
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Take medication to manage pain. If you're experiencing moderate hernia pain, you may get some relief from over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Always follow the manufacturer's dosing instructions. [2] X Trustworthy Source HealthyChildren.org Health information from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Go to source- If you find yourself relying on OTC pain medications for more than a week, talk with your doctor. Your doctor might be able to prescribe a stronger pain medication. Always follow your doctor’s dosage instructions if you’re prescribed a stronger painkiller.
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Take medication to treat reflux. If you have a hiatal hernia (of the stomach), you may deal with a reflux issue known as Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD/GERD). You can take over-the-counter (OTC) antacids and medications to reduce acid production, as well as prescription medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPI) that reduce acid production. [3] X Research source- If your reflux symptoms don't improve after several days (or recur frequently), you should see your doctor. If left untreated, reflux can severely damage your esophagus. [4] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Instead, your doctor can prescribe medications that treat the reflux and heal your digestive organs.
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Wear a support or truss. If you have an inguinal hernia (of the groin), you may want to wear a special support which can also reduce your pain. Talk with your doctor about wearing a truss, which is like supportive underwear. Or, you might wear a support belt or harness that helps keep the hernia in place. To wear a support, lay down and wrap the belt or harness around the hernia to keep it snug. [5] X Research source- Supports or trusses should only be worn for a short period, and aren’t a permanent solution.
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Try acupuncture in conjunction with surgery. Acupuncture is a traditional medicine that adjusts the body's energies by inserting slender needles into specific energy points. [6] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source Some research shows that the use of acupuncture after hernial surgery (for inguinal hernias, specifically) can help with post-operative pain management. [7] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source -
See a doctor immediately if you are experiencing severe pain. If you suspect you have a hernia, you feel any unusual mass in your abdomen or groin, or you have hyperacidity or heartburn, make an appointment to see your doctor. Most hernias can be diagnosed by a physical exam and review of symptoms. If you've already seen your doctor but your symptoms haven't improved after a few weeks, contact your doctor for another appointment. [8] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source- If you are experiencing unusual pain with your hernia and you have been diagnosed with an abdominal, inguinal or femoral hernia, call your physician or the ER right away—the pain could indicate a medical emergency.
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Get surgery. Although you can manage your hernia pain at home, you won't be able to treat the hernia. Talk with your doctor about surgery options. Your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure where a surgeon operates to push the protruding muscle back into place. Or, a surgeon may do a less invasive procedure where small incisions are made to repair the hernia with a synthetic mesh. [9] X Trustworthy Source National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Health information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a division of the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source- If your hernia doesn't bother you often and your doctor believes it to be small, the doctor may not recommend surgery.
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Eat smaller meals. If you're experiencing reflux issues from a hiatal hernia, put less pressure on your stomach. To do this, eat smaller portions of food in each sitting. You should also eat slowly so your stomach digests food easier and faster. This can also reduce pressure on the stomach sphincter (LES), a muscle that is already weakened. [10] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source- Try to avoid eating 2 to 3 hours before going to bed. This will prevent food from putting pressure on your stomach muscles as you try to fall asleep.
- You may also want to change your diet to reduce excess stomach acid . Avoid high-fat foods, chocolate, peppermint, carbonated drinks, onions, tomatoes, and citrus. [11] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
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Reduce pressure on your abdomen. Wear clothing that doesn’t constrict your stomach or abdomen. Avoid wearing tight clothing or belts. Instead, choose tops that are loose around your waist. If you do wear a belt, adjust it so that it doesn't tightly hug your waist. [12] X Research source- When you constrict your stomach or abdomen, you can cause recurrent hernias and make hyperacidity worse. The acid in your stomach can be forced back into your esophagus.
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Lose weight. If you're overweight, you're putting extra pressure on your stomach and abdominal muscles. This extra pressure can increase your risk for developing another hernia. It can also make acid in your stomach back up into your esophagus. This can cause reflux and hyperacidity. [13] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source- Try to lose weight slowly. Aim to lose no more than a pound or two a week. Talk to your doctor about adjusting your diet and exercise plan. [14] X Research source
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Exercise key muscles. Since you shouldn't lift heavy things or strain, focus on exercises that help build your core. [15] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Talk to your doctor about exercises you can try that won’t aggravate your hernia. -
Stop smoking. If you're experiencing reflux, try to stop smoking. Smoking can increase your stomach acid, making the reflux worse. [16] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source And, if you're planning on getting surgery to treat your hernia, your doctor will most likely advise you to quit smoking as early as possible. [17] X Research source- Smoking increases your chances of running into complications after surgery. [18] X Trustworthy Source World Health Organization Health information and news provided by the World Health Organization Go to source
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Drink an herbal tea. If you're experiencing nausea and/or vomiting caused by your hernia, drink ginger tea. Research shows ginger tea can be an effective remedy for symptoms like nausea and vomiting. [19] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source- Chamomile tea can be soothing if you’re struggling with acid reflux. [20] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source
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Take licorice root. STW 5 (also known as Iberogast), a herbal remedy made with licorice and other ingredients, can potentially help with acid reflux symptoms related to your ulcer. Talk to your doctor and see if licorice root is a safe option for you, as it can cause negative side effects for some (like people with high blood pressure). [21] X Research source- Be aware that licorice root can cause a decrease of potassium in your body, which can lead to heart arrhythmias. [22] X Research source Talk to your doctor if you take large quantities of licorice or use it for more than two weeks.
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Drink aloe vera juice. Choose organic aloe vera juice (not gel) and drink 1/2 cup. Although you can sip this throughout the day, start by drinking a small amount to let your body adjust. [23] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Studies have shown that aloe vera syrup can treat symptoms of acid reflux by reducing inflammation and neutralizing stomach acid. [24] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
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References
- ↑ https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=abr6767
- ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/abdominal/Pages/Inguinal-Hernia.aspx
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/gerd.html
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/symptoms-causes/syc-20361940
- ↑ https://surgery.wustl.edu/are-hernia-belts-effective/
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/acupuncture
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3546210/
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/inguinal-hernia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351553
- ↑ https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/inguinal-hernia
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17019-acid-reflux-gerd
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/gerd-diet-foods-that-help-with-acid-reflux-heartburn
- ↑ https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/groin-pain-or-swelling
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16266-inguinal-hernia
- ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/weight-loss-a-healthy-approach
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16266-inguinal-hernia#management-and-treatment
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/smoking-and-the-digestive-system
- ↑ https://www.asahq.org/madeforthismoment/preparing-for-surgery/risks/smoking/
- ↑ https://www.who.int/news/item/20-01-2020-smoking-greatly-increases-risk-of-complications-after-surgery
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14712970/
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/herbal-remedies-for-heartburn
- ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/licorice
- ↑ https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/PUArticles/December2019/Liquorice-side-effects-interactions.htm
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-aloe-vera-drink/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26742306/
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To relieve hernia pain, apply ice to the area twice a day to reduce swelling and inflamation. You can use an ice pack or frozen vegetables, just make sure you wrap it in a towel and don't apply it for longer than 15 minutes, which could damage your skin. If you have a groin hernia, ask your doctor about wearing a truss, which is a type of supportive underwear designed to take pressure off your hernia. To reduce reflux caused by a hiatal hernia, eat smaller meals, which will relieve pressure on your stomach. You can also drink herbal tea, like ginger or fennel to reduce nausea, vomiting, and acid reflux. If you’re still suffering from hernia pain, take over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen and acetaminophen. For more tips from our Medical co-author, including how to do light exercises to take pressure off your hernia, read on.
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"Very informative. I found the part about how to strengthen the muscles very helpful and useful, as well as eating smaller meals, and applying cold packs."
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"Nice to see help on how to treat the pain without using pain killers. Some natural remedies to soothe and heal the stomach. Thank you."
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"I found out that I can use a bandage to tape the affected place, and even use a well wrapped ice pack to massage it."
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"Diet and exercise part, that I will put it in practice ASAP. Thank you for the information."
