How do you tell the difference between a hernia and a pulled muscle?

Feelings of dull aching and pain in the groin area are common for both a muscle strain and a hernia. A key indicator that you may have a hernia, however, is if you have a small bulge or lump on one side of the groin. This is the result of an area of tissue or organ pushing through the groin or abdominal muscle.

Do I have a hernia or a pulled muscle?

Physical Lumps and Bumps. When someone experiences a pulled abdominal muscle, there can be inflammation and some swelling, but generally no physically-identifiable marker. A hernia usually causes a noticeable bulge on the surface of the abdomen. This bulge can be painless but change in size with exertion.

Can a strained muscle feel like a hernia?

A pulled abdominal muscle can sometimes feel similar to a hernia. A hernia is a bulge in the section of the abdomen when tissue, fat, or a part of the small intestines, expands through a weakened part of the abdomen.

How do I check myself for a hernia?

What does a muscle hernia feel like?

A muscle hernia may clinically present as a visibly palpable bulge, soft tissue mass or subcutaneous nodule. They may be solitary, bilateral or multiple. They may or not be reducible and may present with strangulated muscle (49). Patients may complain of tenderness or pain, cramping, discomfort, weakness or neuropathy.

Sports Hernia Vs. Groin Strain (DISCUSSION)

What does a strained abdominal muscle feel like?

If you have an abdominal strain, the surface of your stomach area may feel tender and inflamed. You're more likely to feel these sensations when you're contracting your abdominal muscles and moving. Other symptoms include: sudden sharp pain.

What does hernia feel like to touch?

The area may be sensitive to the touch, even if you don't have a noticeable hernia bulge. Pain can feel like a burning or aching sensation, which may get worse with strain. Activities like bending down, lifting heavy objects, coughing, or straining during a bowel movement can trigger sharp pain from a hernia.

Do hernias hurt when lying down?

Many hernias flatten when patient lies down. Patients also can present with groin discomfort or pain. The discomfort may be worse by bending or lifting. These symptoms tend to be relieved at night when patients are lying down and the hernia reduces.

Can a slight hernia heal on its own?

Hernias don't go away on their own. Only surgery can repair a hernia. Many people are able to delay surgery for months or even years. And some people may never need surgery for a small hernia.

How long does it take for a pulled abdominal muscle to heal?

A mild strain may heal within a few weeks. A more severe strain may take 6 weeks or longer.

Does a hernia hurt all the time?

However, it's important to note that most hernias won't resolve without treatment. They may also become larger and more uncomfortable over time. Most people find the bulge from a hernia to be painless. Coughing, lifting, and bending might cause pain and discomfort, though.

What do you do for a pulled abdominal muscle?

Alternate between applying an ice pack and warm compresses to the injured area. Meet with a physical therapist to learn stretching and strengthening exercises. Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to ease pain and inflammation. Wear an abdominal brace to support the stomach muscles and minimize swelling.

What is the fastest way to relieve hernia pain?

Over-the-counter pain medications can relieve discomfort associated with an inguinal hernia. Acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen, or naproxen can be taken, depending on individual preference. 3. Call as soon as possible for a follow-up appointment with your personal/referral surgeon.

Where does a hernia hurt?

The symptoms that lead most people to the doctor, and eventually a hernia diagnosis, typically include pain in the abdomen, particularly in the groin area. The pain tends to get worse if you sneeze, cough, lift something heavy or strain. But different types of hernia can cause other symptoms.

What could it be if not a hernia?

A person with an abdominal lump may notice an area of swelling or a bulge that protrudes from the abdominal area. Possible causes include hernias, lipomas, hematomas, undescended testicles, and tumors. Not all abdominal lumps require treatment, but some may need surgery.

What are the signs of hernia pain?

When should you go to ER for hernia pain?

Symptoms of a hernia in need of emergency treatment include: Severe pain, swelling or redness at the hernia site. Hernia bulge growing quickly. Nausea and/or vomiting.

Are abdominal hernias hard or soft?

An inguinal hernia happens when part of the intestine pushes through a weak spot in the belly (abdominal) wall. The hernia creates a soft lump under the skin. Most inguinal hernias can be pushed back into the belly with gentle massage and pressure.

How do you know if stomach pain is internal or muscular?

Somatic pain and visceral pain come from different areas of the body. Somatic pain is in the muscles, bones, or soft tissues. Visceral pain comes from your internal organs and blood vessels. Somatic pain is intense and may be easier to pinpoint than visceral pain.

Does hernia pain come and go?

Hernia symptoms often vary from patient to patient. The most common complaints are pain/discomfort and a bulge or swelling at the site of the hernia. The bulge may be persistent or may go away. It may get bigger over time.

Is heat good for a hernia?

Ice and Heat

Regularly pressing ice against the affected area will reduce the swelling and associated pain. Ice will numb the area to remove any sensation of pain but should be combined with heat for the most effective treatment.

How do you calm a hernia?

How do you get rid of a hernia naturally?

Can a torn abdominal muscle heal on its own?

Tip. Torn abdominal muscles can heal with rest and rehabilitation exercises, and they may require surgery.

Can a muscle tear heal on its own?

Most muscle strains do not require surgery, and a full recovery is expected. If there is a partial tear then the athlete can return when they are pain free and have normal strength and motion. This usually occurs following anywhere from a few weeks to a few months of appropriate treatment and therapy.