Workplace Wellness: The Dangers and Causes Of Hernias

Work can be a stressful place. For some, work consists of sitting at a desk and greeting customers while taking regularly scheduled breaks. For others, work might look like standing for 10 hours, walking 10 miles or lifting heavy objects and moving them from place to place. For those who have more physically exerting jobs, the probability of developing a hernia at work is increased.

Stress is a leading cause for hernias. There are things you can do in attempt to avoid stress at work, but, most likely, some levels of stress are simply unavoidable. Stress can manifest in many forms from physical to mental and can be caused by a number of things from loud sounds to frequent standing.

Hernias can be very dangerous and very painful. They are typically caused by weakness in muscles and strain but they can be triggered by something as simple as a cough. If you’re at work, a hernia is the last thing you want to deal with because they can be uncomfortable and make performing your daily tasks more difficult. In some cases, hernias can develop into much more serious symptoms like gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.

GERD is a chronic form of acid reflux that is caused by a hiatal hernia. In cases like hiatal hernias, finding a treatment plan is extremely important so as to avoid possible extended side effects that require you to miss more work. There is a surgical option for people suffering from GERD caused by a hiatal hernia, which involves stitching the upper portion of the stomach around the end of the esophagus.

However, surgery is not always an option for people who work full time. You have to take off work to have the surgery as well as recover from it, and sometimes, you don’t get paid for that time missed. Not to mention, surgery comes with it’s own complications. For example, some people have suffered side effects following a surgery caused by a malfunction in the hernia mesh.

If you suffer from a hernia while at work, there are some steps you can take to ensure you remain safe and healthy in the process of finding treatment. For starters, if you feel a hernia coming on which usually feels like muscle tension in a concentrated area like your abdominal muscles, navel or your groin, you should immediately go see a doctor. Failing to follow up on a potential hernia can lead to serious complications including incarcerated hernias and bowel obstructions.

If you are at work and develop a hernia, immediately stop what you are doing. Oftentimes, hernias are caused by too much pressure being applied to tissue causing a break in the muscles. If the project you are doing is particularly strenuous, you can cause further damage if you continue to work, so take special precautions and immediately halt the activity.

Most hernias also require surgical repair so if you experience one, going to the hospital should always be your first step. The doctor should be the person who recommends alternative treatment if they exist. I know that leaving work can be even more stressful than going to work, but if you are injured by a hernia, don’t let your pride or the pride of your manager keep you from receiving immediate treatment.

Working is necessary to earn money to live your life. This is true. But remembering that there is more to life than just work will make it so much easier to take care of your personal wellness while also earning a living and supporting your family.

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