Don’t Let A Hernia Slow You Down with Dr. Timothy Johnson
Published: June 6, 2025
Originally published in YOUR Williamson —
About one in four men will develop a hernia in their lifetime. Yet many delay treatment, choosing to live with discomfort until the condition worsens.
In recognition of Men’s Health Month, Dr. Timothy Johnson, a board-certified surgeon with Williamson Health Medical Group, wants men to understand why early hernia care matters—and why today’s minimally invasive hernia surgeries are nothing to fear.
What is a hernia?
“A hernia is when tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle or surrounding tissue,” said Dr. Johnson, a general surgeon with Williamson Health Medical Group. “Inguinal hernias, which occur in the groin, are the most common type and affect men more often than women.”
Other types include:
- Incisional hernias: occur at the site of a previous abdominal surgery
- Umbilical hernias: form at the belly button
- Hiatal hernias: happen when the stomach pushes into the chest cavity
Often, the first sign of an inguinal hernia is a noticeable bulge in the groin—sometimes with little or no pain.
What causes an inguinal hernia?
Inguinal hernias often stem from a weakness in the abdominal wall, especially in the inguinal canal—the pathway where testicles descend before birth.
Contrary to popular belief, heavy lifting doesn’t cause hernias, but it can worsen one that already exists.
“If you already have a weak spot in the abdomen, any strain you put on the abdominal wall can trigger a hernia,” Dr. Johnson said. “Weight gain and the associated stretching of the abdominal wall can cause as much strain as any type of lifting.”
What are the treatment options for inguinal hernias?
“There’s no physical therapy or amount of abdominal strengthening that will fix a hernia,” Dr. Johnson said. “The only treatment option is surgery.”
Most inguinal hernia repairs are minimally invasive outpatient procedures, often performed robotically. Through small incisions, surgeons insert surgical mesh to support the weakened area and help prevent the hernia from coming back. Recovery is usually quick.
“Patients generally have four to six weeks of lifting restrictions, but can resume normal activities within a few weeks,” Dr. Johnson said, noting the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle. “Hernias happen, but the healthier you are, the faster your recovery.”
Why is it Important to treat hernias sooner rather than later?
Many men put off surgery if the hernia doesn’t cause immediate pain, but Dr. Johnson urges early intervention since hernias can get larger over time. Delaying care can lead to a larger, more complex hernia. In some cases, it may result in emergency surgery—which comes with greater risks and a longer recovery.
“Hernias are easier to repair when they’re smaller, and you can plan the surgery around your lifestyle and schedule—which you can’t do if it’s an emergency.”
Whether you’re noticing a bulge, mild discomfort or just want peace of mind, the surgical team at Williamson Health offers expert care using the latest minimally invasive techniques. Learn more by clicking here.
Don’t Let A Hernia Slow You Down with Dr. Timothy Johnson
Originally published in YOUR Williamson —
About one in four men will develop a hernia in their lifetime. Yet many delay treatment, choosing to live with discomfort until the condition worsens.
In recognition of Men’s Health Month, Dr. Timothy Johnson, a board-certified surgeon with Williamson Health Medical Group, wants men to understand why early hernia care matters—and why today’s minimally invasive hernia surgeries are nothing to fear.
What is a hernia?
“A hernia is when tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle or surrounding tissue,” said Dr. Johnson, a general surgeon with Williamson Health Medical Group. “Inguinal hernias, which occur in the groin, are the most common type and affect men more often than women.”
Other types include:
- Incisional hernias: occur at the site of a previous abdominal surgery
- Umbilical hernias: form at the belly button
- Hiatal hernias: happen when the stomach pushes into the chest cavity
Often, the first sign of an inguinal hernia is a noticeable bulge in the groin—sometimes with little or no pain.
What causes an inguinal hernia?
Inguinal hernias often stem from a weakness in the abdominal wall, especially in the inguinal canal—the pathway where testicles descend before birth.
Contrary to popular belief, heavy lifting doesn’t cause hernias, but it can worsen one that already exists.
“If you already have a weak spot in the abdomen, any strain you put on the abdominal wall can trigger a hernia,” Dr. Johnson said. “Weight gain and the associated stretching of the abdominal wall can cause as much strain as any type of lifting.”
What are the treatment options for inguinal hernias?
“There’s no physical therapy or amount of abdominal strengthening that will fix a hernia,” Dr. Johnson said. “The only treatment option is surgery.”
Most inguinal hernia repairs are minimally invasive outpatient procedures, often performed robotically. Through small incisions, surgeons insert surgical mesh to support the weakened area and help prevent the hernia from coming back. Recovery is usually quick.
“Patients generally have four to six weeks of lifting restrictions, but can resume normal activities within a few weeks,” Dr. Johnson said, noting the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle. “Hernias happen, but the healthier you are, the faster your recovery.”
Why is it Important to treat hernias sooner rather than later?
Many men put off surgery if the hernia doesn’t cause immediate pain, but Dr. Johnson urges early intervention since hernias can get larger over time. Delaying care can lead to a larger, more complex hernia. In some cases, it may result in emergency surgery—which comes with greater risks and a longer recovery.
“Hernias are easier to repair when they’re smaller, and you can plan the surgery around your lifestyle and schedule—which you can’t do if it’s an emergency.”
Whether you’re noticing a bulge, mild discomfort or just want peace of mind, the surgical team at Williamson Health offers expert care using the latest minimally invasive techniques. Learn more by clicking here.
Published: June 6, 2025
