Can a Car Accident Cause a Hernia?

What is a Hernia?

A hernia occurs when open or weak muscle walls impel fatty tissue or organs, causing a bulge or lump in the affected area. The mass that is formed may not be present all the time but can be more noticeable when coughing or straining. Some of the most common types of abdominal and leg hernias include:

• Inguinal (groin area)
• Incisional (surgical scar)
• Femoral (thigh)
• Hiatal (upper part of the stomach)
• Umbilical (belly button)

Hernias can also occur in the back. These types of hernias are commonly referred to as herniated disks. Spinal disks have soft, jellylike centers that are encased in a tough, rubbery exterior shell. Aa disk herniates when the outer layer of the disk ruptures, allowing the soft inner cartilage to slip through and irritate nearby nerves, which can cause an immense amount of pain.

Causes of a Hernia

Often there is no apparent reason why hernias develop. There is a greater risk with age and more men than women experience them, although some children can be born with them.

Some actions and health issues that intensify pressures on worn down muscle walls include:

• Heavy weight lifting
• Deficient nutrition
• Smoking
• Physical strain
• Being overweight
• Constant coughing
• Straining due to chronic constipation
• Cystic fibrosis
• Peritoneal dialysis

These risk factors are typically dependent on where the hernia is and who it’s affecting.

What are Some Signs and Symptoms of a Hernia?

The most common symptom is a bulge where the hernia develops. If you notice a mass, keep in mind the following signs that could help indicate that you have a hernia. These include:

• Burning sensation
• Sharp pain
• Tearing
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever
• Cramping

If these symptoms start to appear persistently, seek emergency medical attention right away as more serious health risks can occur if left untreated.

How are Hernias and Car Accidents Related?

For the most part, car accidents cause hernias in the abdominal region, which are referred to as Hiatal hernias. This typically occurs because the trauma involved destroys the muscles that hold your organs in place. The excess force that happens during a high-velocity collision can cause your seat belt to tear all muscular lining that protects your organs, causing significant destruction to the abdominal wall.

In a Hiatal hernia, a part of the stomach is pushed into the diaphragm. These can be identified through x-rays and can lead to extreme discomfort causing:

• Heartburn
• Acid reflux
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Difficulty swallowing
• Vomiting

Injured parties will occasionally see black and blue bruising traces from where the seat belt was placed. Treating a Hiatal hernia depends on the severity of the symptoms, but medication will usually be given to reduce the build-up of gastric acid. At times, surgery may be essential for those who cannot heal through non-surgical methods.