A 41-year-old member asked:
Does exercise help with a hiatal hernia?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Barry Rosenanswered
General Surgery 36 years experience
Indirectly, at best.: A hiatal hernia, by definition, is an enlarged opening in the diaphragm muscle that separates the chest from abdominal cavity. It is often used interchangeably with gerd; while often both present, they are distinctly separate diseases. Exercise may indirectly help gerd by leading to weight loss but it will not improve the anatomical abnormality of a hiatal hernia.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Vivek Huilgolanswered
Gastroenterology 37 years experience
No effect : Exercise cannot improve the anatomical defect of a hiatal hernia.
However losing weight, if overweight or obese, may lessen reflux though the hiatal hernia through lesser external presssure.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 31-year-old member asked:
Is it possible to develop a hiatal hernia from exercise?
3 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Erik Borncampanswered
Wound care 27 years experience
No: But exercises that increase the pressure in your abdomen (crunches) may exacerbate the symptoms of your hernia.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Oct 3, 2012
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