Abdominal hernias can occur through a weakness in the abdominal wall. The weakness can be acquired, naturally present or degenerate. An acquired weakness may occur through muscle strain. A natural weakness could include deficient abdominal muscle fibre density (1), the (male) inguinal canal and the strain in pregnancy and delivery for women A degenerate weakness is usually to do with de-conditioning / lack of exercise / overdoing it (exercising incorrectly for your body) / a sedentary lifestyle / previous injury or previous surgery.
The risk with a hernia is that the material herniated can strangulate or get cut off, causing infection or worse. Not all hernias need to have a surgical repair. Those hernias that are small and only a bit sore, seem to respond to non-surgical care (2).
A natural or degenerate weakness is associated with muscular imbalance, affecting synergist and antagonist muscles which can cause a Core Dysfunction.
Chiropractic Care is about improving function, coordinated strength and reducing muscular imbalance. There is a belief that muscular imbalance worsens core weakness. As a Chiropractor I know the core is dependant on the spine working well.
Are you looking to get your body into shape, but are held back by your fears around a sharp, painful abdomen / thigh / groin when you lift, cough or exert yourself..?
Have you been scared away from exercising..?
References:
2. Hammoud M, Gerken J. Inguinal hernia.Available:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513332/ (accessed 20.12.2022)