If you have been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia, you know that living with hiatal hernia pain can be quite a trial. Normal everyday activities can cause severe discomfort and oftentimes you act before you think. For example, hiatal pain when bending over is about as bad as it gets because you are putting increased pressure on the area. A few simple common sense precautions can provide hiatal hernia pain relief in addition to the medications you have probably been prescribed by your doctor.
Never Assume Anything
Before discussing various ways to learn to live with hiatal hernia pain, it should be mentioned that some hiatal hernias need medical or surgical intervention. Just because your brother or neighbor learned to live with the pain of a hiatal hernia doesn’t mean that you should try to do so. If your doctor tells you that you need surgery, this means that the stomach has worked its way up into the esophagus far enough that surgery is the only way to repair it. Never assume that what works for others can work for you, especially against medical advice.
Finding Hiatal Hernia Pain Relief
As a rule of thumb, if something causes increased pain, don’t do it! Some people find that hiatal hernia pain on right side prevents them from sleeping on that side so they learn to sleep on their back or left side. Other people find that carrying objects in their left arm increases hiatal hernia pain on left side so they learn to carry with their right arm, leaving their left hand free. It is a matter of making adjustments in the way that you live your day to day life but once these adjustments become habit it is easier living with hiatal hernia pain.
Reducing Hiatal Hernia Pain after Eating
Since a hiatal hernia is a protrusion of the stomach up through the esophagus it is only common sense to eat smaller meals. In fact, eat tiny portions several times throughout the day instead of sitting down to a huge meal that will put undue pressure on your already tender midsection. Hiatal hernia pain after eating can also be reduced if you wear loose fitting clothing and stand up a bit immediately after eating. Sitting down pushes the stomach up against the esophagus which just tends to exacerbate the pain.
Caution When Experiencing Hiatal Hernia Pain under Ribs
Even if you have been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia, you should use caution when experiencing what you assume is hiatal hernia pain under ribs. This could very well be hiatal hernia pain but then again it could be the sign of a heart attack. Tens of thousands of people suffer heart attacks each year because they fail to recognize the warning signs. Although hiatal hernias can cause pain under the ribs and in the back, it is best not to take a chance. If accompanied by unusual nausea or if you don’t usually experience hiatal hernia pain under ribs, contact your doctor immediately.
Besides the fact that different people experience hiatal hernia pain relief in different ways, some people are more tolerant of pain than others. Make no mistake about it; hiatal hernias can be extremely painful. If you cannot find relief from the medications your doctor prescribes along with natural remedies, it is probably time for another consultation. Your condition may have deteriorated and it may become necessary for surgical repair. By learning how your body reacts to treatment you will be better able to recognize any changes as they occur. The best hiatal hernia pain relief is to familiarize yourself with your pain and to listen to what your body is telling you.