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What are the different types of hernias?

A hernia is a bulge that may appear when tissue pushes through the muscle holding the tissue in place. The most common type of hernia is an abdominal hernia, which means they form in the belly or groin areas.   Hernias can be painful, especially when you cough, lift something heavy or bend over. Do you suspect you […]

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What should you not do with a hernia?

In our daily routines, we don’t typically think about how easily something like a hernia could happen. Yet, it can pop up during the most ordinary of moments. Something as simple as picking up your grandchild or lifting a heavy object at work could lead to a hernia that may even result in needing surgery.  Because hernias can develop unexpectedly, it is important to know what not to do if […]

Conditions that can be mistaken for a hernia: how to identify the difference

Hernias are one of the most common medical conditions that require attention, particularly when a bulge or swelling is noticed in the abdomen or groin area. They occur when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot or opening in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. Although a hernia is typically easy to identify, other […]

Will a sports hernia heal itself?

You may have heard that surgery is the only way to effectively treat most hernias. That’s true, but what about a sports hernia? That’s a little more complicated for a key reason: A sports hernia isn’t actually a hernia. Yes, you read that right. While a sports hernia can sometimes lead to the development of […]

How long will I be off work after hernia surgery?

Your doctor recommended that you have surgery to repair a hernia. But before you can schedule the hernia surgery, you need to know the answer to a key question: “How much time do I need off work?” You might be surprised by the answer. While individual recovery time after hernia surgery will vary based on […]

Hernia recovery

How long does it take to recover from hernia surgery?

After hernia repair surgery, it is common to experience mild to moderate pain and to feel a little run down. It’s also normal to feel pulling or twinges in the affected area as you heal.  Most people, however, feel better within a few days and much better within a week of surgery.   Recovery time after hernia surgery varies based on factors such as:  When can I […]

What’s the difference between a femoral and inguinal hernia?

If someone tells you they have a hernia, you might think you know what that means. After all, one hernia is like another, right? Not exactly! There are multiple types, including femoral and inguinal hernia. The basics are the same. A hernia is a tear in muscle or tissue that allows part of your insides […]

Can there be complications from not treating a hernia?

If you have a small hernia that isn’t causing you much discomfort, you may be tempted to put off seeking treatment. In most cases, a small delay in treating a hernia won’t cause problems, but there can sometimes be complications from not treating a hernia. When you have a calendar that’s filled up with to-dos, […]

What does a hernia look and feel like?

You may have heard someone talk about having a hernia, but would you recognize a hernia if you had one? Knowing how a hernia looks and feels can help you seek treatment if you develop one. When you think about hernias, the types that affect the groin or the belly button may be the first thing […]

How do I relieve hernia pain?

When you experience pain, it’s only natural to want to know how to relieve it. So, what can you do to relieve hernia pain? Pain related to a hernia of any kind can often be alleviated temporarily with some basic at-home care. Getting rid of your discomfort in the long-term, though, requires more than a […]

Are hernia symptoms different for men and women?

If you’ve ever seen a TV character dealing with a hernia, odds are that the person was a man. While that’s often the stereotype, hernias actually affect both men and women. Would the symptoms of a hernia be the same for a woman as for a man? The short answer is yes. While hernia symptoms […]

Are hernias after surgery common?

Anyone who is preparing for a surgical procedure probably has many questions and a few worries. Are hernias after surgery something else you need to be worried about? Let’s put your fears to rest. While it is possible to develop a hernia after surgery, it doesn’t happen in most cases. Instead of worrying about what […]

How is a hernia diagnosed?

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season just around the corner, now is not the time to be sidelined with pain or discomfort. If you’re experiencing signs or symptoms of a hernia, it’s important to talk with your doctor about next steps. What is a hernia? A hernia occurs when an area of […]

Could it be a hernia? Here’s how to tell.

What symptoms may indicate you have a hernia?  Hernias can be painful and, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications. While effective treatment will almost always require surgery, hernia repair surgery is typically highly successful and choosing an experienced hernia doctor can help you avoid hernia recurrence and other complications – and get you […]

Can I exercise when I have a hernia?

Wondering if it’s safe to exercise if you have a hernia? Trying to maintain an active lifestyle while dealing with a hernia can be difficult. People often wonder if it’s even safe to exercise with a hernia. Although it is possible, it’s important to first speak with a medical professional to be sure you’re choosing […]

Is Surgery Really Necessary to Fix My Hernia?

“Will my hernia heal on its own?” That’s one of the most common questions we hear from our patients at the Hernia Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC). Unfortunately, the answer is no; your hernia will not heal on its own. While there are some measures you can take to temporarily relieve pain, the […]

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Hernia Surgery This Week, Vacation Next

Summer isn’t over yet, and many people still have vacation on their mind. It may be hard to think about vacation plans, however, if you’re suffering from the pain of a hernia or worried about the downtime needed after surgery. You might be surprised to learn that patients who have hernia repair surgery with one […]

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10 Things to Know About Hernias

At the Hernia Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) – Georgia’s first accredited Hernia Surgery Center of Excellence – we get a lot of questions about hernias. Below we answer some of the most common questions we get regarding signs and symptoms of hernias, surgery and what to look for. 1. What is a […]