Hernias often result from an accident. A fall, for example, could easily lead to a tissue rupture. This can be caused by excessive straining when having a bowel motion. This is called an inguinal hernia. The majority of hernia cases, however, are ultimately due to inherited or congenital weaknesses of the abdominal or other muscles.
Hernias are, therefore, often seen to run in families.
Neglectful health practices can exacerbate an inherited predeliction to hernia. For example, getting little or no exercise and eating an unhealthy diet can further weaken abdominal muscles and, therefore, make them more hernia prone. The most serious type of hernia is called a strangulated hernia. In this case, the circulation of the blood is strangled by a decrease in the size of the opening through which the hernia protrudes. This can happen at any time and generally requires immediate surgery to prevent serious complications.