How to Relieve Hernia Pain

• Apply an ice pack to the area for 10-15 minutes to relieve pain and swelling. You can do this 1-2 times per day.
• Take OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen to soothe mild to moderate pain. If you're in severe pain, see a doctor for something stronger.
• Try OTC antacids for reflux caused by a hiatal (stomach) hernia. If you have an inguinal (groin) hernia, talk to your doctor about wearing a truss.

Treating Hernia Pain at Home

Use ice packs. If you're feeling relatively mild discomfort, apply an ice pack to the site of your hernia for 10 to 20 minutes. You can do this once or twice a day after approval from your doctor. Cold packs may reduce swelling and inflammation. Never apply ice or an ice pack directly to your skin. Make sure to wrap the ice pack in a thin cloth or towel before placing it on your skin. This will prevent damage to your skin tissue.

Take medication to manage pain. If you're experiencing moderate hernia pain, you may get some relief from over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Always follow the manufacturer's dosing instructions. If you find yourself relying on OTC pain medications for more than a week, talk with your doctor. Your doctor might be able to prescribe a stronger pain medication. Always follow your doctor’s dosage instructions if you’re prescribed a stronger painkiller.

Take medication to treat reflux. If you have a hiatal hernia (of the stomach), you may deal with a reflux issue known as Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD/GERD). You can take over-the-counter (OTC) antacids and medications to reduce acid production, as well as prescription medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPI) that reduce acid production. If your reflux symptoms don't improve after several days (or recur frequently), you should see your doctor. If left untreated, reflux can severely damage your esophagus. Instead, your doctor can prescribe medications that treat the reflux and heal your digestive organs.

Wear a support or truss. If you have an inguinal hernia (of the groin), you may want to wear a special support which can also reduce your pain. Talk with your doctor about wearing a truss, which is like supportive underwear. Or, you might wear a support belt or harness that helps keep the hernia in place. To wear a support, lay down and wrap the belt or harness around the hernia to keep it snug. Supports or trusses should only be worn for a short period, and aren’t a permanent solution.

Try acupuncture in conjunction with surgery. Acupuncture is a traditional medicine that adjusts the body's energies by inserting slender needles into specific energy points. Some research shows that the use of acupuncture after hernial surgery (for inguinal hernias, specifically) can help with post-operative pain management.

See a doctor immediately if you are experiencing severe pain. If you suspect you have a hernia, you feel any unusual mass in your abdomen or groin, or you have hyperacidity or heartburn, make an appointment to see your doctor. Most hernias can be diagnosed by a physical exam and review of symptoms. If you've already seen your doctor but your symptoms haven't improved after a few weeks, contact your doctor for another appointment. If you are experiencing unusual pain with your hernia and you have been diagnosed with an abdominal, inguinal or femoral hernia, call your physician or the ER right away—the pain could indicate a medical emergency.

Get surgery. Although you can manage your hernia pain at home, you won't be able to treat the hernia. Talk with your doctor about surgery options. Your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure where a surgeon operates to push the protruding muscle back into place. Or, a surgeon may do a less invasive procedure where small incisions are made to repair the hernia with a synthetic mesh. If your hernia doesn't bother you often and your doctor believes it to be small, the doctor may not recommend surgery.

Making Lifestyle Changes

Eat smaller meals. If you're experiencing reflux issues from a hiatal hernia, put less pressure on your stomach. To do this, eat smaller portions of food in each sitting. You should also eat slowly so your stomach digests food easier and faster. This can also reduce pressure on the stomach sphincter (LES), a muscle that is already weakened. Try to avoid eating 2 to 3 hours before going to bed. This will prevent food from putting pressure on your stomach muscles as you try to fall asleep. You may also want to change your diet to reduce excess stomach acid. Avoid high-fat foods, chocolate, peppermint, carbonated drinks, onions, tomatoes, and citrus.

Reduce pressure on your abdomen. Wear clothing that doesn’t constrict your stomach or abdomen. Avoid wearing tight clothing or belts. Instead, choose tops that are loose around your waist. If you do wear a belt, adjust it so that it doesn't tightly hug your waist. When you constrict your stomach or abdomen, you can cause recurrent hernias and make hyperacidity worse. The acid in your stomach can be forced back into your esophagus.

Lose weight. If you're overweight, you're putting extra pressure on your stomach and abdominal muscles. This extra pressure can increase your risk for developing another hernia. It can also make acid in your stomach back up into your esophagus. This can cause reflux and hyperacidity. Try to lose weight slowly. Aim to lose no more than a pound or two a week. Talk to your doctor about adjusting your diet and exercise plan.

Exercise key muscles. Since you shouldn't lift heavy things or strain, focus on exercises that help build your core. Talk to your doctor about exercises you can try that won’t aggravate your hernia.

Stop smoking. If you're experiencing reflux, try to stop smoking. Smoking can increase your stomach acid, making the reflux worse. And, if you're planning on getting surgery to treat your hernia, your doctor will most likely advise you to quit smoking as early as possible. Smoking increases your chances of running into complications after surgery.

Using Herbal Remedies

Drink an herbal tea. If you're experiencing nausea and/or vomiting caused by your hernia, drink ginger tea. Research shows ginger tea can be an effective remedy for symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Chamomile tea can be soothing if you’re struggling with acid reflux.

Take licorice root. STW 5 (also known as Iberogast), a herbal remedy made with licorice and other ingredients, can potentially help with acid reflux symptoms related to your ulcer. Talk to your doctor and see if licorice root is a safe option for you, as it can cause negative side effects for some (like people with high blood pressure). Be aware that licorice root can cause a decrease of potassium in your body, which can lead to heart arrhythmias. Talk to your doctor if you take large quantities of licorice or use it for more than two weeks.

Drink aloe vera juice. Choose organic aloe vera juice (not gel) and drink 1/2 cup. Although you can sip this throughout the day, start by drinking a small amount to let your body adjust. Studies have shown that aloe vera syrup can treat symptoms of acid reflux by reducing inflammation and neutralizing stomach acid.