Hernia is a condition that occurs in the abdomen or groin. It causes one of the organs to push through the muscle or tissues that contains it. Hernia is a common condition and can be cured. It is mainly caused by aging, due to the older and regular wear and tear in the muscles beginning to add up.
Even though hernia occurs in the abdomen or groin, they also cause referred pain in other parts of the body, such as the back. So, it is possible that hernia cause back pain. Hernia puts pressure on the nearby nerves and tissues surrounding it. This causes pain and discomfort in different parts of the body. This condition occurs due to a combination of muscle weakness and strain. It can treated easily through surgery and they don’t heal or go away on their own.
Understanding Hernia
Hernia causes a bulge in the abdomen or groin. It can cause aches or burns in that area and occurs when one of the organs pushes through the muscle or tissue that holds it. Hernia might or might not cause symptoms like pain and discomfort.
However, it can be treated with surgery. A hernia occurs by aging, when you get older, regular wear and tear on the muscles begins to add up. Other causes of hernia are birth disorder, an injury, or a result of surgery. Hernia can be located in different parts of the body, such as in the lower chest through the diaphragm, in the joints through the abdominal wall, along the front midline of the abdomen, or through a former abdominal surgery incision.
Hernia is common and most cases are not serious. However, they can become serious over time, when it gets stuck in the ole that it has pushed through and cannot go back in. In these cases, it can result in severe pain and tissue death. Since hernias become worse over time it is better to treat them sooner. Hernia causes various symptoms and it can also cause back pain. Hernias sometimes cause back pain but not all hernias result in back pain.
Can A Hernia Cause Back Pain?
Most of the time, hernia does not cause back pain. Hernias can cause referred pain in other parts of the body, which includes back pain. You might feel pain in the back as the hernias put pressure on the nearby nerves and tissues, which causes pain in different parts of the body. While hernia may not be the major cause of back pain, it can indeed be a contributing factor.
If you have a hernia, you might experience a dull ache or sensation of pressure, a burning sensation, or a sharp, shooting pain in the back. The pain can worsen from standing for too much time or performing physical activity. Taking enough rest and lying down helps ease the shooting pain.
If you notice symptoms like sudden severe pain, difficulty in going to the toilet, vomiting, or the hernia becoming firmer or tender, seek medical help. These symptoms might indicate that the condition is serious, so get treatment soon.
The Types Of Hernia That Cause Back Pain
There are different types of hernias, such as umbilical (bellybutton), incisional (resulting from a surgical procedure), inguinal (inner groin), hiatal (upper stomach), and femoral (outer groin). The types of hernia that cause back pain are spinal hernia and lumbar triangle hernia.
- Spinal hernia
Spinal hernia, which is also known as the herniated disk or slipped disk, is a condition that occurs in the cervical (neck), lumbar (lower back), or thoracic (mid-back) area of the spine. This condition is caused when one of the disks between the vertebrae in the spine bulges or ruptures from its original position. When the herniated disk presses against the surrounding nerves, it causes symptoms like radiation pain, weakness, and numbness in the back and neck. Spinal hernias are commonly caused by spinal degeneration, excessive strain, or trauma.
- Lumbar triangle hernia
Lumar triangle hernia is a rare condition that develops when the tissue creates a lesion in the flank. It occurs in the lower back, in a small anatomical space that is surrounded by various muscles and fascia. It causes symptoms like pain and discomfort, swelling in the lower back, or a noticeable bulge. This condition is challenging to diagnose because of its rarity and location. Ultrasounds and CT scans are required to treat it.
Symptoms Of Back Pain Caused By Hernia
Some of the symptoms of back pain caused by hernia include arm and leg pain, numbness or tingling, and weakness. However, the symptoms depend on the location of the disk and whether the disk is pressing on a nerve. If you experience back pain caused by a hernia, you might also experience pain in the lower back, thigh, buttocks, calf, and parts of the foot.
It causes a radiating numbness or tingling in the parts where the nerves are affected. One may also experience muscle weakness as the affected nerve causes gradual weakening. This affects the ability to lift or hold items and even causes one to stumble.
How To Relieve Back Pain Caused By Hernia?
There are various ways to relieve back pain caused by hernia, such as;
- Exercise and physical therapy
Exercising regularly can help relieve back pain from hernia. Following physical therapy guidance under the guidance of qualified professionals can help strengthen the muscles, ease pain, and improve flexibility. Exercise and physical therapy help support the affected area and stabilize the spine.
- Take plenty of rest
Taking plenty of rest is the best way to relieve back pain. Avoid engaging in activities and movements that can worsen the pain. Stop activities like bending, twisting, or heavy lifting. Modify the daily activities and get rest to reduce strain and ease pain.
- Cold or heat therapy
Using an ice pack or a heating pad helps reduce inflammation and numb the area. This provides instant and temporary relief from pain. It works to relax the muscles and ease pain.
- Pain medication
Pain medications like naproxen sodium and ibuprofen can reduce inflammation and pain from a hernia. However, take these medications only after consulting the respective doctor.
- Posture and body mechanics
Maintaining good posture is vital to prevent pain and strain in the back. Practicing proper body mechanics can help alleviate hernia-related pain. Avoid sitting for long periods and be careful while performing daily activities.
- Supportive devices
There are devices like supportive braces or belts that help support the back. This device offers temporary relief by reducing pressure on the affected area and improves stability.
When To Consult A Doctor?
Ensure you consult a healthcare professional if you develop back pain due to hernia. Contact the doctor to get the right treatment and guidance. In some situations, contacting a doctor is very important, and those situations include;
- Persistent pain.
- Serve or worsening pain.
- Numbness.
- Inability to ease pain and hernia at home.
- Bladder or bowel problems.
- Changes in symptoms.
- Difficulty in breathing or swallowing.
Conclusion
Hernia is a common condition and occurs in the abdomen or groin. It causes one of the organs to push through the muscle or tissues that contains it. Hernia is mainly caused by aging, due to the older and regular wear and tear in the muscles beginning to add up.
Even though hernia occurs in the abdomen or groin, they also cause referred pain in other parts of the body, such as the back. This results in discomfort and pain in different parts of the body. Hernia can treated easily through surgery and they don’t heal or go away on their own. It causes causes a bulge in the abdomen or groin.
A hernia can become serious over time when it gets stuck in the ole that it has pushed through and cannot go back in. Most of the time, hernia does not cause back pain. Hernias can cause referred pain in other parts of the body, which includes back pain.
Not all types of hernia cause back pain but The spinal hernia and lumbar triangle hernia cause severe back pain and discomfort. Some of the symptoms of back pain caused by hernia include arm and leg pain, numbness or tingling, and weakness. You might also experience pain in the lower back, thigh, buttocks, calf, and parts of the foot. Back pain caused by hernia can be relieved by exercise and physical therapy, cold and heat therapy, proper rest, pain medications, posture and body mechanics, and supportive devices.
Frequently Asked Questions or FAQS
Abdominal hernia generally does not cause back pain. However, it might cause referred pain, which might result in back pain.
The spinal hernia is caused when one of the disks between the vertebrae in the spine bulges or ruptures from its original position and causes pain, weakness, and numbness in the back and neck. On the other hand, an abdominal hernia occurs when one organ or tissue pushes through a weak area in the abdominal wall muscles. This condition does not cause back pain or neck pain but causes swelling and a visible bulge in the affected area.
Spinal hernia and lumbar triangle hernia are the types of hernia that mostly cause back pain.
You can confirm that back pain is from a hernia if you notice pain in your lower back, thigh, buttocks, part of your foot, and calf.
Proper treatments and rest will help relieve back pain from a hernia in around 4 to 6 weeks.
