Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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Hello guys and gals.

I have been following the Stronglifts 5x5 programme (link text) for the last eight weeks or so. I am pretty confident that my technique on the exercises is sound but I have noticed something that is worrying me somewhat.

During the squat when by back spine is extended I seem to have what I think is a very small hernia pop out about two inches above my navel that feels about the size of a UK Penny. In fact, thinking back, I believe that it has been there for many years. It isn't painful and normally I kind of just push it back down when it does pop out and go on about my day. Nevertheless I wanted to hear some opinions on it as I don't want to ignore something potentially harmful.

So what are your thoughts?

I am looking for an answer from an experienced lifter, someone who does the 5X5 routine or who regularly does heavy free weights using large compound movements such as barbell Squats, Deadlifts, Bench Presses, Overhead Press etc... This isn't because I think that other opinions aren't valid, only that there is a lot of scare mongering and misconceptions about the "dangers" of lifting heavy weights in general and I would prefer to hear from people who have first hand experience.

Thanks for your help in advance.

Nick Kinsella

flag	asked Jul 8 2011 at 13:31 Nick Kinsella 121●3

Ben · Answer 1 · 2011-07-08 13:41:47Z UTC

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Hi Nick!

I'm a regular heavy lifter, and I would recommend seeing a doctor as soon as you can. Even though it may not hurt (now) that's definitely not normal. I think it would be prudent to get it fixed and heal up ASAP to avoid long-term problems.

answered Jul 8 2011 at 13:41

Ben
4,101●1●9●29

	Thanks for that Ben. After reading both your responses I booked a GP appointment. Best, Nick Kinsella – Nick Kinsella Jul 8 2011 at 14:17
	Glad to hear it. Keep us updated! – Ben Jul 8 2011 at 16:04

Dave S. · Answer 2 · 2011-07-08 13:42:04Z UTC

Google belly button hernia. These are pretty common for men (especially if overweight, as the abdominal wall thins out a bit). It's generally not dangerous, but as my surgeon told me, it is possible for intestinal blockage to occur, which is ungood. I strongly urge you to see your doctor and get it taken care of. And don't lift until you do so - you can make it worse.

I had surgery about two years ago to fix my belly button hernia (I had been ignoring it for more than a year and it had gotten worse). The procedure is pretty simple and you can usually get back to lifting within a month or two.

Stronglifts 5X5 and a small abdominal hernia

2 Answers