Keep These Tips in Mind to Prevent Needing Hernia Surgery
When you develop a hernia, you'll typically require surgery to correct the problem. While the surgery is routine for many people, it will take you about three weeks of recovery time. If the idea of lying low for this amount of time doesn't appeal to you, you're better off taking steps to prevent a hernia that requires surgery. Regardless of the activity that you're performing, there are a number of ways that you can reduce your risk of developing a hernia. Here are some tips to keep in mind.
Don't Excessively Exert Yourself
If you find yourself pushing, pulling, or straining excessively — perhaps to the point that your face is red and your entire body is tight — you're at risk of getting a hernia. You can lower this risk, however, by committing to avoid such high levels of exertion in various activities. For example, if you're trying to lift a heavy piece of furniture in your home, recruit one or more partners to help you or use a dolly. If you're trying to loosen a light lug nut on your vehicle's tire, use a longer wrench to increase the leverage that you have. If you're lifting weights, consider opting for lighter weights to reduce the strain on your body.
Eat More Fiber
Your diet has a close connection with your risk of getting a hernia. When you don't get enough fiber in your diet, you'll often become constipated — and this could leave you straining and pushing whenever you attempt to move your bowels. It's possible to develop a hernia through this action, but increasing your dietary fiber will help you be more regular and not have to push as hard. Many different foods are high in fiber, including vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and incorporating them into each meal can go a long way toward reducing your hernia risk.
Strengthen Your Abdomen
Weak abdominal muscles can heighten your risk of a hernia, so it's useful to strengthen this part of your body. Planks, crunches, leg lifts, and a long list of yoga postures can all help to strengthen your abdominal region. As with lifting weights, you should always use the proper approach when you're performing these exercises so that you don't actually put yourself at risk of getting a hernia. Breathing during exercise is an important way to reduce the pressure in your body, for example, so make sure to exhale during each exercise rep.
For more information on hernias and how to prevent them, talk to a doctor like Michael A. Goldfarb MD FACS.
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