Hernias aren’t all the same — they show up in different locations, and have different sets of symptoms. Knowing where a hernia is can clue you in on what’s happening and help you decide what to do next.
To break it down, we asked Patrick Crosby, MD, a bariatric and hernia surgeon with Hartford HealthCare Medical Group, to share insight on the most common hernia locations – and when surgery might be the answer.
What is a hernia?
A hernia happens when a weak spot or defect in the muscle or connective tissue lets an organ or tissue, like the bowel or stomach, push through.
“Most hernias, like those in the belly button, groin or abdominal wall, feel like a bulge,” explains Dr. Crosby. “This bulge usually gets more noticeable when you strain and can cause pain in the area.”
Some hernias, known as reducible hernias, can be pushed back in. Others, called non-reducible hernias, stay stuck and often need closer monitoring and treatment.
Not all hernias show a bulge, though. “Some hernias inside your abdomen, like hiatal hernias, don’t cause a bulge or much pain,” says Dr. Crosby. “Instead, they can lead to symptoms like heartburn or trouble swallowing.”
> Related: Is the Lump in My Abdomen a Hernia?
Hernias develop in two main ways.
The first type, congenital hernias, occurs at birth. “These hernias, like certain groin and belly button hernias, happen because of a natural weakness in your tissues,” explains Dr. Crosby.
The second type, acquired hernias, forms over time. They result from weak tissues combined with increased abdominal pressure, which can be caused by:
- Constipation
- Chronic coughing
- Pregnancy
- Heavy lifting
- Surgical scars
- Trauma
> Related: Can Heavy Lifting Cause a Hernia?
6 common hernia locations.
Hernias can develop in various parts of the body, each associated with specific types and symptoms.
Here’s Dr. Crosby’s breakdown of the most common hernia locations and the types typically found there:
1. Front of the abdomen
Types: Umbilical, epigastric, and spigelian hernias.
Description: These hernias occur in the abdominal wall, often at the belly button (umbilical), above the belly button (epigastric), or on the side of the abs (spigelian). Symptoms typically include a noticeable bulge, pain, or tenderness.
2. Side of the abdomen
Types: Flank hernias.
Description: Found between the ribs and pelvis, flank hernias often cause a visible bulge, pain, or tenderness.
3. Groin
Types: Inguinal, femoral, and obturator hernias.
Description: These hernias form in the groin area, commonly presenting as a bulge accompanied by pain or tenderness.
4. Side of the abdomen
Types: Flank hernias.
Description: Found between the ribs and pelvis, flank hernias often cause a visible bulge, pain, or tenderness.
5. Diaphragm
Types: Hiatal and diaphragmatic hernias.
Description:
- Hiatal hernias occur where the esophagus passes through the diaphragm, causing the stomach or other organs to push into the chest. Symptoms may include heartburn, regurgitation, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or difficulty swallowing.
- Diaphragmatic hernias, which are often congenital or caused by trauma or surgery, may result in shortness of breath, an elevated heart rate, or chest discomfort.
6. Surgical Scars
Types: Incisional hernias.
Description: These form at the site of a previous surgical scar, often leading to a bulge, pain, or tenderness around the scar.
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When to see a doctor.
If you’re dealing with a hernia emergency, don’t wait—seek care immediately.
Signs you need urgent attention include:
- The bulge becomes larger or more painful.
- You could push it back before, but now you can’t.
- The bulge feels hard or the skin turns red.
- You experience signs of bowel obstruction, like nausea, vomiting, abdominal swelling or trouble passing gas.
But don’t ignore a hernia just because it isn’t painful.
“Hernias don’t shrink or disappear on their own,” says Dr. Crosby. “While some stay small for a while, most grow and start causing problems – where surgery is the only fix. If your hernia disrupts your daily life, see a specialist to take the first step toward feeling better.”
