The term hernia refers to the protrusion of an organ or the fascia of an organ through the wall of the cavity that normally contains it. A hernia is caused by the internal dilution or a weakened muscular area or when an organ enters this area of the body. As such, hernias can appear in various areas of the body where the containing membranes or muscles are weakened.
A hernia can occur in different ways and hiatal or diaphragmatic hernia is characterized by the protrusion of a portion of the stomach that extends into the chest cavity by passing through a defect in the diaphragm. An inguinal hernia most often occurs in the groin area while a discal hernia is the protrusion of an intervertebral disc that generally results from significant pressure being applied on the spine. Excess weight, pregnancy, age and certain genetic disorders can cause a discal hernia which, in many cases, affects the lower back, although it can also occur in the neck. If the protrusion presses against one of the nerve roots of the sciatic nerve, it can cause sciatica.
A hiatal hernia is sometimes asymptomatic but when the disease occurs it causes acid reflux from the stomach into the oesophagus. These gastroesophageal refluxes cause burning sensations in the stomach, and can also result in regurgitation, permanent belching and even haemorrhages.
An inguinal hernia may also be asymptomatic but people who suffer from this condition often experience discomfort when they bend over or try to lift an object. They then feel the presence of a foreign body in the groin area, a sensation that goes away when they are lying down.
The symptoms of a discal hernia vary from one patient to another, although this condition can result in back pain or a lumbago if it is located in the lower back. If it is located in the neck, it causes stiffness and pain in the neck.
To treat the symptoms of a hiatal hernia, the patient’s transit must first be improved. To do this, Nux vomica 5 H must be administered at the beginning of treatment, with a dose being taken before meals and another 10 minutes after eating. If the patient is pale, nauseous and has stomach cramps accompanied by gas emissions, it is advisable to give him or her Ipeca. In case of belching and stomach pain aggravated by eating sweet food, Argentum nitricum is recommended. Bloating after meals, flatulence and dyspepsia caused by a hernia are treated with Kalium carbonicum.
In most cases, the recommended treatment involves a weekly intake of Asa Foetida 15 CH, combined with 3 granules of Cuprum Arsenicum 15 CH that need to be taken 3 times a day, a 3-granule dose of Sulfuricum Acidum 15 CH that needs to be taken 3 times a day, and 3 granules of Nux moschata 9 CH that also need to be taken 3 times per day.
If the oesophageal reflux is accompanied by weight loss, gastrointestinal haemorrhage and anaemia, a medical consultation is required. Moreover, if one suffers from back pain accompanied by fever, as well as extreme weakness that takes a lot of time to heal in spite of massages and rest, it is essential to consult a doctor who will prescribe the appropriate treatment to follow. In all cases, since most hernias can be asymptomatic, all foreign and abnormal protrusions located anywhere in the body must be medically examined.
• Gastroesophageal reflux
Good to know: As of today, there are numerous homoeopathic preparations that can be used to treat a hiatal hernia, although none exist to cure a discal hernia.
