How to Relieve Hernia Pain Fast

Hernias happen when a part of your body pouches through a weak area in muscle or connective tissue, and not surprisingly, they can cause a significant amount of pain. Whether your symptoms are relatively mild or more intense, it’s natural to want to find relief as soon as possible.

It’s important to note that there’s no magic cure for hernia pain. Instead, severe hernias require surgery to both relieve pain and prevent potentially life-threatening complications. 

In the meantime, though, or if you have a milder hernia, there are some steps you can take to improve your comfort level. In this post, our team at Desert West Surgery offers a few simple tips to help you find relief when your hernia flares up.

1. Avoid heavy lifting and straining

Lifting, bending, or straining increases pressure inside your body, putting added strain on weak areas of tissue, as well. Not only can this make a visible bulge more pronounced, but it can also increase painful symptoms. 

Whenever possible, avoid these activities and ask for help with tasks that require strength or twisting. The less strain you put on the herniated area, the less pain and swelling you’ll experience throughout the day.

2. Use an ice pack

Ice packs help reduce swelling and soreness in the area surrounding your hernia. Apply the pack for 10-15 minutes at a time, a few times a day, and always wrap the pack in a light cloth to prevent injuring your skin. 

No ice pack on hand? No problem: A bag of frozen peas or corn can serve the purpose.

3. Make a few dietary adjustments

Eating smaller, more frequent meals reduces abdominal pressure and helps prevent bloating, which can make hernia pain worse. Avoid foods that cause gas or constipation, like carbonated drinks, processed foods, and fried or heavy foods.

Drinking plenty of water and other non-caffeinated beverages and adding more fiber to your diet reduces your risk of constipation, so you won’t need to strain during bowel movements. Less internal pressure means less discomfort, especially with hiatal hernias and abdominal hernias.

4. Use over-the-counter pain relievers

Over-the-counter pain relievers can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation and swelling associated with hernia flare-ups. Always use them as directed, and don’t rely on them for long-term pain relief.

It’s important to note that pain medicines can mask symptoms that really should have prompt medical attention. If your pain persists or worsens despite these medications or if you find you need to take more medication to achieve the same level of relief, it’s time to call our office.

5. Try a hernia belt

If you have a hernia, you may have noticed that gently pressing against the area with your hand helps relieve discomfort that can happen with simple actions, like sneezing or coughing. A hernia belt works similarly, but it applies constant pressure, providing support as you move.

These belts help hold the herniated area in place, reducing strain and discomfort. That said, you should only use a belt when recommended by our team, and it should never be used as a substitute for medical treatment, especially if your hernia is more advanced.

6. Know when to seek medical attention

While these simple steps can make your life a little more comfortable, a hernia won’t go away on its own. That’s because the muscle opening that allowed the tissue to push through can’t repair itself. In fact, even small hernias that cause only mild pain can grow larger over time.

For small, stable hernias, regular monitoring, frequent medical evaluations, and lifestyle changes may help delay a hernia’s progression to a more serious stage. But in most cases, surgery is eventually needed to repair the area and prevent serious complications, like strangulation or intestinal blockage.

If you have severe hernia pain, if your pain worsens or suddenly becomes severe, if your hernia bulge grows larger or changes in some other way, or if you develop other symptoms, like nausea or fever, it’s important to seek emergency medical attention.

Take control of your comfort

While quick fixes may temporarily relieve discomfort, long-term relief means addressing the hernia itself. To learn how we can help develop a hernia treatment plan that works for your needs and lifestyle, call Desert West Surgery to schedule a consultation at our Las Vegas location nearest you.