Think of your abdomen like a car tire. If the tire wall is weak (muscle weakness) and you fill it with too much air (abdominal pressure), a bulge forms. You cannot fix the bulge just by reducing the air; the tire wall needs to be repaired (Mesh Repair).
Sudden or repeated heavy lifting (in the gym or manual labor) increases intra-abdominal pressure, forcing organs through weak muscle spots.
Persistent coughing due to smoking, asthma, or COPD puts repetitive, explosive pressure on the abdominal wall, leading to tears.
Straining hard during bowel movements is a major cause of Inguinal (Groin) Hernias, especially in older men.
Excess body weight stretches and weakens the abdominal muscles while simultaneously adding constant pressure on the belly.
Surgical cuts weaken the abdominal wall. If the cut doesn't heal perfectly, a hernia can form at the scar site years later.
The growing uterus stretches abdominal muscles (Umbilical Hernia). Multiple pregnancies increase the risk further.
Some people are born with a naturally wider "Inguinal Canal" or weaker connective tissue (collagen defect). If your father had a hernia, your risk is significantly higher, even without heavy lifting.
Muscle Weakness vs Strain
"Many gym-goers ask me if they can heal a hernia with crunches. The answer is No. Exercise increases pressure and makes the hole bigger."
Dr. Jaya Maheshwari explains clearly that a hernia is a mechanical defect—a hole in the muscle—that medicine or exercise cannot close.
