Noticed a New Bulge or a Nagging Ache?
Most hernias announce themselves with a lump that comes and goes, an ache when you lift or strain, or a feeling of pressure that is hard to describe. Dr. Matthew Lublin, a board-certified general and laparoscopic surgeon with offices in Santa Monica and Encino, CA, helps patients across the Westside and San Fernando Valley understand what their symptoms mean and which ones need prompt care. A hernia does not heal on its own, so recognizing the signs early gives you more options and a smoother repair.
Request an AppointmentRecognizing the Signs of a Hernia
Hernia symptoms are usually distinctive, and an experienced hernia surgeon can often confirm the problem during a physical exam. Still, abdominal hernias are not always painful. Symptoms may come and go, and in the early stages a small hernia can seem to disappear for a while. Knowing what to watch for helps you decide when to schedule an evaluation.
Bulges, Lumps or Swelling
A bulge or lump in the abdominal wall or groin is the most common sign of almost every type of hernia. Where the bulge appears helps define the kind of hernia you have, whether it sits in the groin, near the belly button or along an old surgical scar. You can learn more about each one on our types of hernias page.
The lump may be small and look like general swelling rather than a defined knot. Many patients first discover a hernia simply by feeling a bulge, even with no pain at all. Activities that raise pressure inside the abdomen, such as exercising, standing for long periods, coughing or straining, tend to make the bulge more noticeable. When you lie down, the tissue often slips back inside and the bulge may vanish until you stand again.
Pain, Aching and Discomfort
Aching, burning or a dragging sensation near the hernia is common, though a newly formed hernia may cause no discomfort at all. Pain is often worse when you lift heavy objects, tighten your abdominal muscles or stay on your feet for many hours. This discomfort usually happens when abdominal contents briefly get caught or pinched in the opening of the muscle wall.
Referred Pain
Sometimes a hernia irritates the nerves running through the area. Because a single nerve often supplies several parts of the body, that irritation can produce referred pain, meaning you feel discomfort in parts of the abdomen, groin or upper thigh that are not actually herniated. This can make a hernia harder to pinpoint without a professional exam.
Severe Pain and Strangulation
Severe, constant pain combined with redness, tenderness or a bulge that will not push back in can signal a strangulated hernia. This condition may also cause pain throughout the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, fever or an inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement.
A strangulated hernia is a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
Strangulation begins when abdominal contents, usually a loop of small intestine, become trapped in the hernia. This is called incarceration. If the trapped tissue loses its blood supply, it becomes strangulated and can be life-threatening without immediate surgery.
Why You Should Never Ignore a Hernia
It is tempting to wait when the pain fades, but a hernia that has formed will not repair itself. Over time it can grow larger, cause more frequent flare-ups and raise the risk of serious complications. Abdominal pain can also come from conditions that have nothing to do with a hernia, so a proper evaluation matters. During your visit, Dr. Lublin will examine the area and order imaging if needed, as described on our hernia diagnosis page, then explain whether watchful waiting, laparoscopic repair or robotic repair is the best fit for you.
Hernia Symptom Questions
What does a hernia usually feel like?
Most people notice a soft bulge in the groin or abdomen that becomes more obvious when they stand, cough or strain. Many also feel pressure, aching, burning or a heavy, dragging sensation in the area, while others feel no pain at all.
Can a hernia exist without any pain?
Yes. Many hernias, especially newly formed ones, cause a visible or palpable bulge with little or no discomfort. A painless hernia still needs to be evaluated because it will not heal on its own and can enlarge over time.
Why does my bulge disappear when I lie down?
When you lie flat, pressure inside the abdomen drops and the protruding tissue often slides back through the opening in the muscle wall. This is called a reducible hernia. The bulge typically returns when you stand up or exert yourself.
Can a hernia cause pain in other places?
Yes. A hernia can irritate nearby nerves, producing referred pain in other parts of the abdomen, the groin, the scrotum or the upper thigh. This is one reason an in-person exam is important for an accurate diagnosis.
What are the warning signs of a strangulated hernia?
Sudden, severe or constant pain at the hernia site, redness or discoloration, tenderness, a bulge that will not go back in, nausea, vomiting, fever, or trouble passing gas or stool are warning signs. These symptoms require emergency care right away.
Will a hernia go away if the pain stops?
No. Once a hernia forms, the opening in the abdominal wall remains even if the discomfort fades. Ignoring it can make future flare-ups more likely and increase the chance of complications, so it is best to schedule an evaluation.
Where can I have my hernia symptoms evaluated?
Dr. Matthew Lublin sees patients at offices in Santa Monica and Encino, CA. Call (310) 828-2212 to schedule a consultation at whichever location is more convenient for you.
Get Answers About Your Symptoms
If you have a bulge, recurring groin or abdominal discomfort, or symptoms you cannot explain, a clear diagnosis is the first step toward relief. Matthew Lublin, MD offers hernia evaluations and minimally invasive repair at our Santa Monica and Encino offices. Call or request your visit online.