Feeling sudden stomach ache while lifting heavy? It could be THIS

Stomach-ache when lifting something heavy

Lifting heavy

objects is a common activity for many people, but it can lead to more than just muscle strain. If you experience sudden stomach pain while lifting heavy objects, it could be an early indication of hernia, a condition where an internal part of the body protrudes through a weak spot in the surrounding tissue or muscle wall. Recognizing the

symptoms

and risks associated with

hernia

is crucial for prompt medical intervention and prevention of potential complications.

What is hernia?

A hernia occurs when an organ or fatty tissue squeezes through a weak spot in a surrounding muscle or connective tissue called the fascia. Some of the most common types of hernias are

abdominal hernias

. These occur when the intestines break through a weak area of the abdominal wall. These ideally occur among those who perform heavy lifting in their day-to-day lives.
The most noticeable symptom of hernia is a lump or bulge in the affected area. It can be most visible when you stand, bend or lift heavy objects. It often disappears when you lie down. Some other symptoms are:
Pain in affected area, when coughing or lifting heavy

Feeling heavy or pressure in the abdomen
Swelling in the abdominal area
Nausea, vomiting and fever

Causes and Risk Factors

Factors that weaken the muscle and increase the risk of hernia are:
Aging
Damage from injury or

surgery
Coughing
Pregnancy
Some activities and medical conditions also cause the weakening of muscles and the risk of hernia:
Coughing or sneezing
Constipation, leading to pain during bowel movements
Lifting heavy weight without proper support

Preventing hernia is simple with some lifestyle change techniques. Prevention tips include:
Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on abdominal muscle
Use proper lifting techniques
Strengthen abdominal muscles through proper exercises,

Treatment

If you see any signs of hernia, immediately visit your doctor for effective and timely treatment. Treatment varies from waiting for a minor hernia to surgery for larger or painful ones. Surgery is ideally recommended to prevent complications like strangulation of the organ involved.
Some surgical procedures that individuals can go to if they see symptoms of hernia:

Open surgery

It is ideally performed under local anesthesia; it allows you to remain awake while the area in pain is numbed. Sometimes, a general anesthetic is also administered to ensure that you are asleep and pain-free throughout the procedure. After the anesthetic comes into effect, the surgeon makes an incision over the affected area, usually 6 to 8 cm long. Then the surgeon repositions the tissue or bowel back into the abdomen. To reinforce the abdominal wall at the affected area, a mesh is implanted, after the repair is completed, the incision is closed with stitches.

Laparoscopic surgery

It is a modern surgical technique that is used in procedures like inguinal hernia repair. During the procedure, the patient is under the effect of general anesthesia. The surgeon makes several small incisions in the abdomen, ideally less than a centimeter each. Through the incisions, a laparoscope (thin tube with camera) and other surgical instruments are inserted. The camera provides a magnified view of the internal organs, it allows surgeons to operate with precision.
Lifting heavy objects is a common cause of hernia, but being aware of the symptoms can reduce the risk of hernia. Do not ignore even the slightest ache in your stomach while lifting, immediately consult a medical professional and get a diagnosis done to prevent future complications.