Your internal organs are held in place by various tissues and muscles. But in some situations, the organs can push through these surrounding tissues. There may be a weak point in the muscle or a small opening in the tissue that is supposed to contain that organ. When it pushes out, this is known as a hernia.
There are many different areas where a hernia could develop. It is very common for it to occur lower down on the abdominal wall or near the groin. Some people also have a hernia in their lower chest or around their diaphragm. If you have ever had abdominal surgery, the incision site could be a weak point that could lead to a hernia in the future.
How serious is this condition?
In some cases, especially when it is caught quickly, a hernia can be fixed through medical intervention. It may still be incredibly painful and can keep you out of work. You may also need to spend more time out of work as you recover, which is why a hernia can sometimes create a physical disability.
When a hernia is not addressed quickly, there is a risk of severe symptoms. For instance, in some cases, the organ cannot get back inside of the muscle wall or surrounding tissues. This can cut off the blood flow so that the organ no longer gets proper oxygenation. In turn, this can lead to a type of tissue death known as necrosis. This can cause severe and potentially life-altering symptoms and may necessitate emergency surgery.
Seeking disability benefits
If you are experiencing a hernia, it is important to work with your medical team to find out about your treatment options. You may also need to consider all of your options to seek disability benefits if the hernia is going to prevent you from working for an extended period of time.