When an organ or tissue abnormally protrudes out of the body cavity, it’s called a hernia. The most common hernias, by far, develop in the abdomen. In this case a weakness in the abdominal wall turns into a centralized hole, through which an organ or tissue will protrude.

Hernias are often times compared to the failure of the tire, where a split in the sidewall allows the inner tube to protrude through to the outside. In that example the inner tube of the tire is like the organ that breaks outwards through the opening in the sidewall. It is this pressure outwards, and the limit of restraint inwards that allows the bulge to develop.

Besides the hernia’s that can develop in the abdomen there is several others:

• Internal hernia:  a hernia into or involving an intra-abdominal structure
• Spigelian hernia:  a hernia through the linea semilunaris
• Sliding hernia:  the hernia sac is partially formed by the wall of a viscus
• Littre’s hernia:  a hernia involving a Meckel’s erticulum
• Obturator hernia:  a hernia through obturator canal
• Lumbar (Petit’s) hernia:  a hernia through Lumbar’s triangle
• Grynfeltt’s hernia:  a hernia through Grynfeltt-Lesshaft triangle

Although hernia’s are often as a result of a hereditary trait, there is several different things that you can do to prevent them from occurring. It’s actually extremely easy to prevent hernia’s and the two most common area’s where people lose are in: Maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly. Both of these things help to ensure that the body is not dealing with any extra strain that it cannot handle, and will help you in all area’s to have a healthier and fuller life.

If a hernia is adversely affecting your life, the first and best step you can take is to consult a doctor or health care professional. Don’t suffer in silence. Don’t prolong treatment simply because you think you can handle it or that you’re afraid of surgery. Talk to your doctor and get all the facts. There is hope for your hernia.