Hernia can be a bit of a mystery, leading to a lot of misinformation.
Let us go through common myths about hernia with facts:
Some common myths about hernias that are prevalent in public:

1. Myth: Only elderly people get hernias.
Fact: While hernias are more common in older adults, they can occur at any age, including in children and young adults.

2. Myth: The only type of hernia is an umbilical hernia.

Fact: Hernias can occur in many different areas of the body. Here are some common types:

* Umbilical Hernia: This is a bulge near the belly button, often seen in babies but also possible in adults.
* Inguinal Hernia: This is a bulge in the groin area, the most common type of hernia in adults.
* Femoral Hernia: This is a bulge in the thigh, near the groin.
* Incisional Hernia: This develops after surgery when the surgical wound doesn’t close properly.
* Hiatal Hernia: This occurs when part of the stomach protrudes through an opening in the diaphragm, the muscle separating the chest and abdomen.

3. Myth: Hernias are caused by heavy lifting alone.
Fact: Although heavy lifting can contribute to hernias, there are other factors such as obesity, chronic coughing, pregnancy, and genetic predisposition that can also increase the risk.

4. Myth: Hernias can be cured by wearing a truss or support belt.
Fact: Trusses or support belts can provide temporary relief and support, but they do not cure hernias. Surgical intervention is often necessary to repair the hernia.
A truss or belt that’s too tight can put excessive pressure on hernia, potentially cutting off blood flow to bulging tissue leading to strangulation which is potent complication requiring emergency open surgical intervention.

5. Myth: Hernias always cause severe pain.
Fact: Symptoms of a hernia can vary from person to person. While some hernias may cause pain and discomfort, others may be asymptomatic or cause only mild discomfort.

6. Myth: Hernias can be pushed back into place.
Fact: It is not safe or effective to attempt to manually push a hernia back into place. Hernias require medical assessment and surgical repair for proper treatment.

7. Myth: Hernias will go away on their own.
Fact: Hernias do not resolve on their own and typically require surgical intervention to prevent complications and alleviate symptoms.

8. Myth: It’s safe to ignore a small hernia and not seek treatment.
Fact: It’s important to have any hernia evaluated by a healthcare professional. Even small hernias can potentially lead to complications if left untreated.

It’s essential to consult with healthcare professionals for accurate information, proper diagnosis, and appropriate treatment options related to hernias.