Hernia Doctors in NYC

Prevent, alleviate, or heal disease—naturally.

Meet our practitioners who specialize in natural Hernia treatment

How it works

Consult with our health coaches who will learn about your symptoms, habits, and goals.

Take personalized home health tests to discover potential root causes of any symptoms or conditions you may have.

Review your results in just days with our functional medicine doctors, nurses, and dietitians who will help you achieve optimal health.

Learn about Hernia

Hernias occur when an organ, intestine, or fatty tissue squeezes through a hole or a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. The most common types of hernias are inguinal (inner groin), incisional (resulting from an incision), femoral (outer groin), umbilical (belly button), and hiatal (upper stomach). In many cases, hernias are not immediately life-threatening, but they do not go away on their own and require surgical intervention to prevent potential complications. The expertise of a hernia doctor, especially within a specialized city like nyc, is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment.

Causes

Hernias are caused by a combination of muscle weakness and strain. Factors that may contribute include aging, damage from an injury or surgery, excessive coughing, and struggling during bowel movements or urination. Lifting heavy objects without stabilizing the abdominal muscles can also cause hernias. In infants, hernias often result from a weakness in the abdominal wall present at birth. People of all ages can develop a hernia, but some factors increase the risk, including genetics, obesity, and pregnancy.

Signs and symptoms

The most common sign of a hernia is a noticeable lump or bulge which can be pushed back in, or disappear when lying down. Inguinal or femoral hernias often produce a lump on either side of the pubic bone where the groin and thigh meet. A hiatal hernia might make itself known via heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and chest pain. Meanwhile, an umbilical hernia is often visible around the belly button. Symptoms of a strangulated hernia, which requires immediate medical attention, include severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and the bulge not retracting.

Diagnosing Hernia

Diagnosis of a hernia typically starts with a physical examination, where the doctor may feel for a bulge in your abdomen or groin that increases in size when you stand, cough, or strain. For internal hernias, like hiatal hernias, imaging tests such as an x-ray, mri, ct scan, or endoscopy might be necessary. Hernia specialists in nyc are well-equipped with advanced diagnostic technologies and the expertise to accurately diagnose the types of hernias and recommend the most appropriate treatment options.

Prevention and natural treatment

While not all hernias can be prevented, you can reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, avoiding lifting heavy objects improperly, and treating constipation to avoid straining. Treatment options for hernias often include surgery, either laparoscopic (minimally invasive) or open repair, depending on the hernia's size, type, and location. In nyc, hernia doctors are at the forefront of adopting innovative surgical techniques and practices to enhance recovery times and outcomes for patients. Lifestyle changes and medication can manage symptoms for those not immediately requiring or opting for surgery.

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