Inguinal hernias and heavy lifting

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Tuesday, September 5. 2023

Inguinal hernias and heavy lifting

Interesting, possibly controversial topic. I do not trust Dr. Google, but one of my two hernias became visible after deadlifts. Maybe it's been brewing for years.

I also know that I often err in holding my breath with heavy weights. Wrong technique, I know. I try to do it all correctly but sometimes forget, or just strain to my max to get it done like any ordinary foolish person.

Surgeon is going to fix them sooner. He says it's a myth about weights and hernias. He's a smart, experienced, and pleasant guy. Whatever. I'll do whatever he says.

Can lifting cause hernias?

Posted by Bird Dog in Medical, Physical Fitness at 17:52 | Comments (10) | Trackbacks (0)

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Well, I lifted weights a lot (and sometimes too much) when I was in spec ops and never got a hernia. OTOH, my nephew (who exercises very little because he has Down's Syndrome) got a hernia and required surgery.

#1 RetiredSOF on 2023-09-05 20:19 (Reply)

I've heard that you get hernias from your parents. Genetics, in other words.

When you say you err in holding your breath when lifting heavy, does that mean you do or do not hold your breath?

#2 RJP on 2023-09-05 21:55 (Reply)

My error is sometimes holding my breath

#2.1 Bird Dog on 2023-09-06 09:00 (Reply)

That’s not an error. When lifting heavy, bracing yourself with a deep breath (Valsalva) is an important step.

#2.1.1 RJP on 2023-09-06 11:23 (Reply)

One of our sons was born with double hernias. They waited a number of months before they surgically repaired them.

#3 JC on 2023-09-06 08:14 (Reply)

I started heavy lifting years after I had already had an inguinal hernia and had the repair. No problems with it since.

#4 eeyore on 2023-09-06 08:32 (Reply)

I had an inguinal hernia repair a number of years ago from my reading on the subject it appears to be a genital defect. My father had the same repair as did my brother, a couple of years after I had mine done.

#5 Brad on 2023-09-06 09:32 (Reply)

Well of course a weakness in your body could be genetic. BUT typically something causes the actual hernia and that something is usually physical activity. For most people this "something" is usually something they shouldn't have done. That decision to do a squat with too much weight because you are feeling strong that day.

#6 OneGuy on 2023-09-06 11:26 (Reply)

I think you'll find that many people get hernias while straining on the toilet. I'm just going to guess that is a larger number than those who might have squatted too much one day. But if you're worried about it, you have my permission to not lift heavy weights.

#6.1 RJP on 2023-09-07 23:06 (Reply)

I had double hernia surgery 5 years ago, they stuck a bunch of mosquito screen in me as reinforcement and made my balls purple and huge for a few weeks. The pain and swelling were bearable but the scrotum itch, yikes, very hard to bear.

Even so, the results were great. It enabled me to go back to lifting, I lost a lot of weight and started walking lots and lots. I will be forever grateful.

My hernias were painless but debilitating, which I understand is common. That fatty lump in your lower belly? Maybe it ain't fat, maybe it's your guts.

#7 Fred Z on 2023-09-07 00:27 (Reply)

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Tuesday, September 5. 2023

Inguinal hernias and heavy lifting