Ridge Davis
There is a list of strenuous activities or sports that increase the risk of hernia, but does it include cycling? Do cycling causes hernia? Here is the answer!
Some people associate cycling with hernias, as it is the only sport that they partake in before being diagnosed with the condition. But, do cycling causes hernia?
If you consider biking but are still reserved about the risk of getting a hernia, read on. We’ll debunk this myth to see whether cycling is good for you!
Contents
What Is Hernia?
A hernia occurs when an organ or other body part bulges through the tissue or muscle wall that normally holds it in. For instance, the intestines might push through a weakened area in the abdominal wall.
Most hernias take place in the abdomen. Yet, there are also hernias in the belly button, upper thigh, and groin regions. Although not life-threatening, hernias do not improve on their own. Serious hernias may require surgical repair or correction to prevent detrimental complications.
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What Causes Hernia?
Can a hernia happen for no reason? Or are there some culprits for hernia?
There are two major risk factors that cause a hernia. First, it is the weakened fatty tissues or muscles in the abdominal wall. Second, the undue pressure and strain you put on the wall, causing these weak spots to bulge through.
Some people are more susceptible to hernias as they are born with weak tissues or muscles. Nevertheless, most people get hernias later in their life, when the muscles start to weaken due to ageing.
Factors that contribute to the increasing pressure in the abdominal muscles include:
- Persistent coughs and sneezes
- Straining due to constipation and diarrhea
- Heavy weight lifting
- Moving heavy objects such as furniture
Factors that can weaken the muscles and worsen hernias are being overweight, smoking, and nutrition insufficiency. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight, diet and lifestyle can help you avoid hernias.
Types Of Hernia
Common Types Of Hernias
Inguinal Hernia
Inguinal hernias happen in the abdominal area near the groin section. The bladder or intestine bulges through the wall of the abdomen into the inguinal canal in the groin.
This type of hernia is more common in men since this body section is naturally weaker in men than women.
Incisional Hernia
Incisional hernias are protrusions of tissues at the place where a surgical incision lies. Around 15% to 20% of abdominal hernias are incisional hernias, and all individuals who went through abdominal surgery have the same risk of getting this type of hernia.
Femoral Hernia
Femoral hernias occur when the tissues push through the wall of the femoral canal. It is a more common type of hernia among women. Those with pregnancy and obesity are the most likely to suffer from this hernia.
Umbilical Hernia
This is the most common among newborns and infants, especially those born prematurely. Umbilical hernias are often a painless numb at or in the proximity of the navel, or also known as the belly button.
Hiatal Hernia
For those with a hiatal hernia, the upper portion of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity.
Inguinal Hernia Vs Sports Hernia
Many people assume that the inguinal hernia and sports hernia are the same, but they’re not. You might experience similar symptoms in the same area with a sports hernia, like an inguinal hernia.
If you suffer from an inguinal hernia, part of your intestine protrudes through the weak spot of the abdominal wall. So there is a lump or bulge.
However, unlike inguinal hernia, sports hernia does not cause any bulge or lump. It happens when your soft tissue in the abdominal and groin area gets injured.
Do Cycling Causes Hernia?
Do cycling causes hernia? No, cycling does not cause a hernia. There is a small risk for people with a hernia to keep cycling as long as the bulge is not painful or inflamed.
Excessive abdominal weight and strain exerted on the abdominal area can increase the risk of hernias. Various culprits such as lifting heavy objects, straining bowel movements, pregnancy, and being overweight can cause hernias.
Cycling does not cause a hernia, and that’s why biking is not restricted for those who have just gone through a hernia surgery (after 12 weeks after surgery). Therefore, you should keep cycling unworried about suffering from a hernia .
Do Cycling Causes Hernia – The answer is NO
Frequently Asked Questions
What Exercises Causes Hernia?
What exercises cause hernia? Anyone can develop a hernia by doing strenuous exercises. Anything that involves an abrupt twist, change in direction, increasing pressure in the abdominal cavity can cause a hernia.
Which Exercise Avoid In Hernia?
Is exercise bad for hernia? A hernia will keep you from doing the normal fitness schedule. There are things you should not do to avoid the risk of complications.
Exercise that strains the muscles around the hernia should be out of the question here. For instance, individuals diagnosed with an abdominal hernia should not do abdominal exercises, including reverse crunches and sit-ups. These exercises will worsen the hernia.
Other strenuous activities such as heavy weight lifting, push-ups, shoulder press, pull-ups, oblique twists, wrestling, football should be avoided under any circumstances.
Do Not Attempt Heavy Weight Lifting In A Hernia
Besides this list, you may want to listen to your body and how it reacts to each activity that you take on. Check if the affected spot experiences sudden pain while you’re working out, and stop it immediately unless you want your hernia to be more serious.
Is Cycling Good After Hernia Surgery?
It’s fine to go cycling once your doctor gives you the green light after surgery. However, you should proceed with caution and choose the best style of bike to suit your body conditions.
Normally, unless you go under a complicated inguinal hernia surgery, you can resume your normal routine of exercise and training after 3 months of recovery. You can do anything ranging from cardio or weight training, outdoor activities, sports, including cycling after this time frame.
You might want to start with a recumbent bike. This style of bike encourages the exertion of thigh muscles instead of abdominal areas; thus, it won’t aggravate the conditions.
How To Prevent Inguinal Hernia While Lifting Weights?
As far as we know, weight lifting can put you at a high risk of getting a hernia (especially inguinal hernia) if not done properly. Here are some precautions and tips you should follow to avoid the hernia risk while doing weight lifting.
- Always spend time to warm your body up before weight lifting
- Lift the right amount of weight that your stamina can handle
- The right bending starts from your knees, not your waist
- Lift slowly and do not rush
- Stop immediately once any area, especially the abdomen, feels painful
Can You Get A Hernia In Your Abs?
Yes, a hernia in this area is typically visible. It resembles a bulge or lump that lies beneath your skin's surface. You normally feel slight discomfort or mild pain, especially when you put a strain on the abs.
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Conclusion
Do cycling causes hernia? We hope you can rest assured to hit the road without any concerns about hernia. You should avoid some activities to steer clear of hernia, but this does not encompass biking.
Cycling can also be safe after three months of your hernia surgery but make sure you start with gentle exercise and tune in your body to avoid any implications.
