Inguinal hernia

An inguinal hernia is a medical condition characterized by the protrusion of part of the intestine through a weakness or opening in the abdominal wall in the inguinal region, located in the lower abdomen near the groin. This condition is more common in men, but can also affect women.

Inguinal hernias usually occur when the muscles of the abdominal wall become weakened, allowing part of the intestine to protrude through this weakness.

Inguinal hernia is usually caused by a combination of factors, including weakness in the abdominal wall and increased abdominal pressure.

Here are the main causes:

Some people are born with weakness in the abdominal wall, which can predispose them to inguinal hernia. This may be due to congenital abnormalities in the development of the abdominal wall muscles.

Increased intra-abdominal pressure can also contribute to inguinal hernia formation. This can be caused by activities that lead to increased pressure, such as chronic coughing, constipation, obesity, pregnancy, lifting heavy objects or strenuous physical exertion.

With age, the supporting tissues of the abdominal wall can become weakened, which can increase the risk of developing an inguinal hernia.

There is also evidence to suggest that there may be a genetic predisposition to developing inguinal hernia. Some families may have a higher incidence of this condition, suggesting a genetic component.

It's important to note that inguinal hernia can be multifactorial, and several of these factors can interact to increase the risk of developing this condition. It is also possible to develop an inguinal hernia without any obvious risk factors being present.

Inguinal hernia symptoms can vary depending on the size of the hernia and the presence of complications.

Here are the most common symptoms associated with an inguinal hernia:

• A protuberance or lump: The most characteristic symptom of inguinal hernia is the presence of a visible or palpable lump or protuberance in the groin area. The protuberance may be most obvious when a person is standing or exerting themselves, and may reappear when coughing or bending over.
• Pain or discomfort: Some people with inguinal hernias may experience pain or discomfort in the groin area, especially when active or lifting heavy objects. Pain can vary in intensity, from mild discomfort to acute pain.
• Feeling of heaviness: An inguinal hernia may cause a feeling of heaviness in the groin area, which can be felt even in the absence of pain.
• Burning or stabbing pain: In some cases, an inguinal hernia can cause a burning sensation or stabbing pain in the groin area.
• Discomfort during physical activity : Inguinal hernia symptoms may worsen during activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, lifting heavy objects or strenuous exercise.

It's important to note that some cases of inguinal hernia may be asymptomatic, meaning that a person may have no symptoms at all.

The diagnosis of inguinal hernia is generally based on the patient's medical history, physical examination and, in some cases, imaging studies.

Your doctor will perform a physical examination to detect the presence of an inguinal hernia. They may ask you to cough or do an abdominal thrust to check for a protrusion in the groin area. They will also palpate the inguinal region for any lumps or abnormalities.

In most cases, the diagnosis of inguinal hernia can be made on the basis of history and physical examination. However, in certain situations, additional imaging tests may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis or assess any potential complications. These tests may include ultrasound and, more rarely, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Inguinal hernia treatment can vary depending on the size of the hernia, associated symptoms, presence of complications and patient preference. Common treatment options include:

In cases where the inguinal hernia is small and asymptomatic, simple monitoring applies.

Surgery is often recommended for symptomatic inguinal hernias, or for hernias that are increasing in size.

Osteopathy can play a role in the treatment and management of inguinal hernia, but it is essential to understand that in the case of a strangulated inguinal hernia or a hernia requiring surgery, osteopathy cannot replace appropriate medical management.

In cases where the inguinal hernia is asymptomatic or has mild symptoms, some patients may choose to use complementary treatments such as osteopathy to relieve symptoms or help strengthen the weakened abdominal wall. The osteopath may use manual techniques to improve the body's musculoskeletal mobility and balance, which can potentially contribute to better function of the inguinal region.

It should be stressed that in cases of strangulated inguinal hernia or hernia requiring surgery, it is imperative to follow medical recommendations and undergo appropriate surgical intervention. Osteopathy can play a complementary role in the post-operative rehabilitation phase, helping to restore mobility, balance and musculoskeletal function to the body, but will not treat the hernia.

It's essential to consult a competent healthcare professional to obtain an accurate diagnosis and discuss the appropriate treatment options for your inguinal hernia. They will be able to provide you with personalized recommendations based on your specific clinical situation.