A hernia occurs when soft tissues or organs start to protrude through a weakened portion of the muscle or ligament that overlies it. There are several different types of hernias, each named by the location where they are present. The risks of sustaining a hernia arise from genetic factors like age and obesity or can result from heavy lifting, overstraining and chronic coughing to name a few.
Understanding Hernias
If the hernia is small, it may be managed under close observation of a GP with modifying activity and rehabilitation through Physiotherapy. If the hernia is larger or there is a prolapse of the intestines through the hernia, surgery will be required. A prolapse of the intestines can be fatal and needs immediate attention. Following surgery, it can take up to 25 days or longer for the person to return to physical work.
For some individuals there may be little we can do about the integrity of the muscle system, but we can control the forces that we load our body with. So along with many other injuries, prevention is better than a cure and fortunately, there are a few simple things that you can introduce into your working environment to limit the risk of a hernia injury:
- Encourage and enforce lifting loads within limits
- Enforce correct manual handling techniques
- Encourage a good warm-up prior to commencing a shift
- Promote healthy lifestyle habits such as exercise and healthy eating for optimal strength and weight
control
A hernia occurs when an organ or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. Here are some key points to help you understand hernias better:
Types of Hernias
- Inguinal Hernia – the most common type, occurring in the inner groin
- Femoral Hernia – found in the outer groin, more common in women
- Umbilical Hernia – occurs near the belly button, often seen in infants
- Incisional Hernia – this happens at the site of a previous surgical incision
- Hiatal Hernia – part of the stomach pushes up into the chest through the diaphragm
Causes
Hernias are typically caused by a combination of muscle weakness and strain. Contributing factors can include:
- Heavy lifting without proper technique
- Persistent coughing or sneezing
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Chronic constipation or diarrhea
- Previous abdominal surgery
Symptoms
Common symptoms of a hernia include:
- A noticeable bulge in the affected area
- Pain or discomfort, especially when bending over, coughing, or lifting
- A heavy or dragging sensation in the groin
- Weakness or pressure in the abdomen
- In severe cases, nausea, vomiting, or difficulty passing stool
Treatment
While some hernias can be managed with lifestyle changes and monitoring, surgery is often required to repair the hernia and prevent complications. It’s important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Hernias in the Workpalce
Given the manner in which arise, hernias in the workplace can be a complex matter. They are therefore a common cause of workers compensation claims that can often result in the need for surgery.
Need help, contact our specialist and allied health experts for support and advice.
Further information
Source: Medibank
Title: What is a hernia?
Read time: 2 minutes