Hernia (cont.)
Can strengthening the muscles make a hernia go away?
Unfortunately, exercising to improve a hernia is likely to aggravate the condition. The hernia exists because of a
localized absence of muscle and supporting structure. Exercise can strengthen the surrounding muscles, thereby worsening the
localized weakness and increasing the pressures inside the abdomen. The result is that more tissue can be forced through
the defect and enlarge the hernia.
What can be done to prevent a hernia?
Most of the factors that lead to the development of hernias are beyond the control of the individual. Some of
those factors are inherited and develop as the individual grows. The arrangement of the local tissues and their
thickness and strength may greatly affect the relative risk of developing a hernia over a lifetime. However, that risk can be
increased by failure to use good body mechanics when lifting, poor abdominal support posture, and weight-control problems.
Are hernias inherited?
Since genetics dictate inherited features and structure, there is a significant risk of inheriting the anatomical features
that may predispose to a hernia. There may also be inherited factors that result in tissue weakness, which ultimately allows
the deterioration of the supporting structures and leads to the formation of a hernia. However, this does not necessarily imply
that the offspring of an individual with a hernia will ultimately develop the problem.
Do hernias usually develop on both sides of the body?
Groin hernias are somewhat more likely to develop on both sides. This is probably because the structural elements develop symmetrically, and the stresses on the body that occur over time are similar on both sides. When a patient becomes aware of a groin swelling on one side, examination by a doctor will often identify a small hernia on the opposite side.
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