Hernia Treatment Without Surgery

A hernia occurs when a weak spot in the muscle or surrounding tissue wall allows a nearby organ to push through. In the majority of cases, getting an open repair hernia surgery or laparoscopy is the ultimate solution. 

However, in cases where immediate surgery is not required, you may be able to delay the surgical procedure by following some remedies at home. In this guide, we will discuss how to heal a hernia without surgery in detail.

Remedies to Heal Hernia At Home

Some natural remedies and lifestyle changes can help get relief from hernia symptoms. The following remedies can delay the pain and hassle of hernia repair:

Wear Hernia Belts

It might be a good idea to try wearing a binder or hernia belt first. Wearing a belt can help keep the protruding organ in place, reinforcing the damaged muscle wall, which is the main problem with a hernia.

However, hernia belts only work for hernias that are reducible (can be pushed back into their place without surgery). They also can cause slight discomfort, since you need to wear them while performing normal physical activities as well. If you find that your hernia is not reducible, then it is best to opt for surgery since there is a risk of strangulation. 

Avoid Inflammatory Foods

The affected area should be protected from any kind of additional discomfort and inflammation, which can lead to heartburn and nausea. In order to avoid upset stomachs, avoid spicy food, caffeinated drinks, and anything else that disturbs the stomach lining.

Foods such as tea, soda, coffee, fruits, and citrus juices should be avoided. It is best to consult your doctor regarding your dietary restrictions.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Healthy weight is essential to ensure the hernia doesn't get displaced from its original location due to an inadequate supply of oxygenated blood. A healthy weight can be maintained by incorporating light walks and less intense exercises into your daily routine. Be careful not to overdo it, since strenuous physical activity can cause more damage to the affected area and cause shooting pains.

Manually Reduce a Hernia

When the hernia is not strangulated, it can be reduced manually so that it can return to its normal place. However, despite the fact that manual reduction may provide immediate relief from symptoms, surgery is the only way to prevent long-term complications.

During a manual hernia reduction, the patient lies on the bed in a state that will facilitate the process. Most reductions do not require anesthesia, but local anesthesia or sedatives may be given to the patient if the reduction is complicated.

Usually, ice is applied to the hernia to reduce swelling before the doctor located the hernia and attempts to push it back through the opening in the abdominal wall, by applying slight pressure. Once the hernia is moved back to its original position, the doctor may conduct an ultrasound to see the results.

Have a Hernia Surgery

If the home remedies and manual reduction do not work, getting hernia surgery is the ultimate solution. Most doctors recommend surgery if the hernia is either getting bigger or preventing blood flow to the vital organs. If delayed, this situation can be life-threatening. 

Depending upon your condition, your doctor will recommend you an open-repair hernia surgery or a laparoscopy. An open repair hernia surgery involves making a few inches long incisions near the affected area, pushing the bulge back into its place, and then strengthening the abdominal wall defect using mesh.

A laparoscopy, on the other hand, involves the insertion of a tiny camera in the incision. The camera displays images of the hernia site on a monitor screen, helping the doctor perform the surgery more accurately.

In any case, you should consult a professional to gain an understanding of your situation or contact Hernia Innovations where we provide different hernia treatment options. Contact us today for an appointment by sending us a message or calling us at (925) 940-1020.