Can a Hernia Cause Back Pain? Real Causes, Warning Signs, and When to See a Doctor

When a hernia hits, most people associate it with a noticeable bulge or abdominal discomfort. But, in some cases, it can also cause discomfort in the back, which might make you wonder, "Can a hernia cause back pain?" Let's explore the blog to understand whether these two problems are actually linked and how. 

Can a Hernia Cause Back Pain?

Can you get back pain from a hernia? Yes, in certain cases, the hernia can lead to significant back pain. However, the amount of pain depends on the location and type of the hernia. For example, smaller hernias lead to less pain compared to larger ones, while those located especially in the groin area are more uncomfortable than others. Moreover, the pain mostly occurs during strain-induced activities like bending, lifting, and coughing.

How hernias affect the back and contribute to pain:

• Compress nerve: May push against nearby nerves and muscles, which stimulate pain signals that radiate to the back and cause referred pain.

• Change body posture and movement: To manage hernia-related back pain, people might unintentionally adjust their body posture or movement. This, in turn, can put pressure on the back muscles, leading to back pain.

• Chronic fatigue: An untreated hernia can contribute to chronic fatigue, discomfort, and poor posture, affecting the lower back.

How Different Types of Hernias May Contribute to Back Pain?

The location of the hernia can affect the severity and type of the back pain. For instance, inguinal hernias (that occur in the groin area) can lead to referred pain, which can radiate to the back. While spinal hernia can cause localized pain or shooting pain in the back.

Here's the table showing the different forms of back pain depending on the location and type of the hernia:

What Does Hernia Pain Feel Like?

The type and severity of the hernia pain basically vary from one person to another.

• However, it is mostly described as a dull pain or pressure in the impacted area.

• Moreover, you may feel a stabbing or burning sensation or experience a shooting pain.

• The pain may become worse with physical activities such as coughing, twisting, bending, and lifting, and subside with lying down or taking rest. 

How to Know if Your Back Pain is Caused by a Hernia?

It is not always possible to understand whether a hernia is contributing to back pain. Hence, the best idea is to seek professional guidance. But you can keep a watch on symptoms that may indicate hernia-associated back pain. Those symptoms include:

• Visible bulge in the abdomen while coughing or straining, indicating an abdominal hernia.

• Pain, numbness, or tingling sensations radiating from the lower back to the legs, indicating a spinal hernia or a herniated disc.

• Pain worsens with movements, like bending, standing, or lifting, and improves with rest.

• Dull ache or feeling of strain, and sometimes sharp or shooting pain.

• Nausea, vomiting, or poor bowel movement, indicating hernia-related complications, like strangulation, which need instant medical treatment. 

Home Remedies to Relieve Hernia-Related Back Pain

These simple home remedies can be helpful for mild hernia-related back pain:

1. Take rest and don't engage in stressful activities:

• Do not practice stressful activities, particularly bending or lifting, as they tend to increase the pain.

• Take rest to reduce pressure on the affected area, which supports the healing process.

2. Try a warm or cold compress:

• A warm compress can relax back muscles and relieve inflammation, which reduces back pain.

• On the other hand, a cold compress can numb the affected area and reduce swelling.

• Apply a heating pad or an ice pack to the impacted area for around 10-15 minutes. Repeat it several times per day.

3. Take pain-relieving medications:

• Take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium, to help reduce hernia-related back pain.

• They block the pain signals, which prevent them from reaching the brain and causing inflammation, which contributes to back pain.

• Take the medicine as advised on the label and always discuss your medical conditions and current medicines with a doctor.

4. Wear supportive garments:

• Wear supportive garments like a belt or brace, which can reduce pain and discomfort and provide stability to the affected area.

• They work by applying gentle pressure to the affected area, which keeps the hernia in place and prevents it from coming out.

5. Physical therapy:

• Practicing physical therapy for hernia, such as pelvic tilts, deep breathing exercises, and bridge poses under the supervision of a certified therapist, can help strengthen the affected muscles, reduce pain, and enhance flexibility.

• These exercises basically help stabilize the spine and provide support to the injured area.

6. Maintain proper posture and practice body mechanics:

• Help prevent pressure on the back and supports better spinal alignment, which relieves hernia-associated back pain.

• Avoid hunching or sitting in one place for a longer period, and use correct lifting strategies, which can reduce pressure on the affected area, thus relieving pain and discomfort.

When to See a Doctor?

You should consult healthcare professionals if you suspect hernia-related back pain, especially if you experience:

• Persistent, severe, or worsening back pain

• Radiating pain from the back to other body parts

• A noticeable lump or swelling in the groin or abdominal area

• Changes in bowel movements

• Numbness, tingling sensation, or weakness in the legs

• Urinary incontinence or retention

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing

• Racing heart rate

• Nausea, vomiting, and fever

Professional Treatment

In some cases, back pain related to a hernia can be relieved using pain medications, rest, and physical therapies. But, when pain persists or becomes worse, or a hernia is large and causes strangulation, doctors recommend the following surgeries:

Open Hernia Repair:

• Involves making an incision (cut) near the hernia area to gently push back the bulging tissue into the original place and hold up the weak muscle area with a synthetic mesh or stitches.

• Recovery can vary depending on the type and severity of back pain, but people often get relief from the pain immediately after the surgery.

Laparoscopic Hernia Repair:

• Involves making many tiny incisions (cuts) through which surgical instruments and a laparoscope are inserted, which help fix the hernia internally using a synthetic mesh.

• Results in less pain, shorter recovery, and quicker return to everyday activities compared to open hernia repair surgery. 

Can Hernia-Associated Back Pain Cause Other Health Problems?

If left untreated, hernia-related back pain can lead to many health problems:

• By limiting physical activities, the pain can lead to reduced mobility and pressure on the back muscles.

• This lack of movement can lead to poor posture, which contributes to strain and nerve irritation on the spine, causing more discomfort.

• Over time, bad body posture can strain the spine, which can lead to a high risk of herniated or slipped discs.

• Moreover, research shows that hernia pain can contribute to poor movement habits, which, as a result, cause joint stress and muscle imbalance.

• This, in turn, can lead to an increased risk of sprains, strains, or fractures, particularly in the legs and back.

• In addition, according to a study, chronic lower back pain can affect your mental health, which can cause anxiety, depression, fear, and anger. 

Final Thoughts

Can a hernia cause back pain? Not all hernias, but certain types, when left untreated, can lead to back pain, as they affect the nerves, muscles, and body posture. If you suspect hernia-related pain, see a doctor for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Depending on the location and type of hernia, the providers may determine the right treatment plan, helping you return to a pain-free life.