Plagued by Hernia Pain? 3 Signs It's Time to See a Surgeon

The early warning signs of a hernia can be easy to overlook, especially when they only flare up during heavy lifts or after a long day on your feet. However, ignoring these red flags now can lead to serious complications down the road.

Steven Patching, MD, specializes in laparoscopic hernia surgery, a minimally invasive procedure performed through tiny incisions no larger than a dime. Our dedicated team guides you through every step of the process, from your initial consultation to the final follow-up.

Without proper care, what begins as a minor nuisance can quickly become a significant physical limitation — or even a medical emergency. In this month’s post, we explain why surgery is often necessary and when it’s time to see Dr. Patching.

Why hernias do not heal on their own

A hernia occurs when an internal organ or another structure bulges through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle and connective tissue, typically the abdominal wall. But unlike a cut on the skin or a strained rotator cuff, your body cannot repair these injuries on its own. 

Everyday movements, such as bending, coughing, and lifting objects create intra-abdominal pressure that forces more tissue into the opening, preventing it from healing. The constant strain can cause the hernia to stretch and widen over time.

Rest may temporarily dull the ache or make a visible bulge disappear, but it doesn’t solve the root cause of the problem. In most cases, surgical intervention is eventually necessary to restore the structural integrity of the abdominal wall and prevent complications.

When to see a surgeon: Three critical signs to know

Though some hernias stay stable for years, it’s essential to get a professional evaluation as soon as you notice a bulge or persistent abdominal discomfort. Here are three signs it’s time for surgical intervention:

1. Discomfort that limits your activity or quality of life

Hernia pain typically feels like a heavy pressure, a dull ache, or a sharp pulling sensation as tissue gets forced through the weakened muscle wall. If you find yourself skipping workouts, stifling sneezes, or avoiding certain household chores due to worsening discomfort, visit our team for a consultation.

1. You can not push a bulge back in 

A reducible hernia — one that disappears when you lie down or can be gently pushed back in — may not need urgent repair. However, when the bulge becomes firm, tender, or you can no longer manually reduce it, it’s a sign that there’s internal tissue trapped outside the muscle wall (incarceration). Without prompt treatment, the risk of complications drastically increases.

1. Severe pain or symptoms of physical illness

A strangulated hernia is a life-threatening emergency that occurs when the opening in the abdominal wall cuts off blood flow to the trapped tissue. 

In addition to severe localized pain, you may experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or an inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement. The skin around the bulge may look red or purplish. Immediate surgery is necessary to prevent permanent damage, as tissue death can occur within just four hours of restricted blood supply.

Do not wait to address your hernia pain

Are you avoiding the activities you love due to abdominal discomfort? Don’t wait for a medical emergency to seek help — call or click today to book a consultation with Dr. Patching and our team in Sacramento, California.