Can a hernia cause nerve damage?

Answer by  MattK (1713)

A hernia is a bulge or protrusion caused by a weakness in a sheet of muscle designed to hold whatever is behind it in place. This can cause nerve damage.

Answer by  srainne (2597)

Yes, unfortunately, this is true. As the hernia swells and stretches surrounding tissue, nerve fibers around the area are irritated and eventually damaged.

Answer by  rosieposey78 (1304)

If a hernia is in the back and it causes a pinched nerve, this may be true. For example, if a herniated disc compresses sufficiently on a nerve, a patient could lose partial or complete movement of a leg. Even worse, a patient may lose bowel or bladder control. This situation requires emergency surgery.

Answer by  aussiegirl (711)

A hernia is a 'break' in the muscle layer. Once this break is there everything inside, including nerves, veins and organs comes out. If doctors say surgery, i'd do the surgery.

Answer by  Jalaine11 (2043)

A complication of a hernia can be nerve damage causing numbness in your groin area. Another complication that can occur is a strangulated intestine. If this happens you could get gangrene which is life threatening.