A hernia is a weakness or opening in the abdominal wall which often results in soft tissue such as fat or intestine protruding through the abdominal muscles and occupying the space under the skin. The mechanism of a hernia is like what happens with a bulge in a damaged tire, where the inner tube, normally contained by the hard rubber of the tire, extends through a thin or weakened place. The abdominal wall opening leading to the hernia is also known as a hernia defect.
Hernias are caused due to weakened muscles that are present since birth or associated with ageing. Also, repeated strains on the abdominal and groin areas may cause a hernia.
Such strains may come by: