Could that pain down there be a hernia?

9/29/2025

When you think of a hernia, you may picture a condition only your father or grandfather had to deal with. But that’s a common misconception. Hernias affect people of all ages and can cause serious complications if left untreated.

Hernias occur when tissue, such as part of the intestine, pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. The most common type is an inguinal hernia, which appears in the groin area.

“An inguinal hernia occurs when tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall,” said Dr. Patrick Schiefelbein, general surgeon at Surgical Associates of Siloam Springs. “While they’re not always dangerous, hernias won’t go away on their own. They can become painful and lead to complications, so it’s best to discuss treatment options with your physician.”

Signs of a Hernia

Common symptoms include:

• A bulge on either side of the pubic bone
• Burning or aching at the site, especially when bending, coughing or lifting
• Heaviness or dragging sensation in the groin
• In some cases, swelling around the testicles

Hernias often develop due to chronic coughing, constipation, strenuous activity or previous abdominal surgery. Risk increases with age, family history, pregnancy or premature birth. And while men are more likely to experience inguinal hernias, women and children are not immune.

“In some people, abdominal wall weakness is present from birth,” explained Dr. Jon Fuller, general surgeon at Surgical Associates of Siloam Springs. “In others, muscles weaken later in life due to aging, injury or surgery. If you notice pain or a bulge, it’s important to be evaluated.”

Diagnosis and Treatment

If a hernia is suspected, your physician will likely examine you while standing and ask you to cough or strain. In many cases, the bulge disappears when lying down. Imaging such as ultrasound or CT scan is only needed if the diagnosis is unclear.

While most hernias are not emergencies, they can become serious if the tissue becomes trapped (incarcerated) or blood supply is cut off (strangulated). These situations require urgent surgery.

Hernia repair is one of the most common general surgeries in the U.S., with more than 600,000 performed each year. Depending on the case, a surgeon may recommend open repair or a minimally invasive laparoscopic approach. Most patients go home the same day and many return to normal activity within a week.

Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs

Hernias will not heal on their own. Ignoring symptoms can lead to more pain and complications.

Knowledge and early care are key. If you’re concerned about a hernia, Surgical Associates of Siloam Springs is here for you. Call (479) 215-3040 or visit nw-physicians.com.

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