Question from a TOUR reader: I have been diagnosed with a hernia. At the moment I can still ride my road bike, but as I will soon have to undergo an operation to fix the hernia with a mesh, I would like to know the following: Did riding a road bike (about 5,000 kilometres per year) contribute to the development of the hernia? Is there anything I can do to prevent further fractures, such as special gymnastic exercises or strength training, and should I perhaps check my sitting position on the bike? Which treatment method - incision or non-invasive - would be better in order to be able to ride a road bike again as soon as possible? When after the operation is this possible and how much strain should I put on myself?
Answer from Dr Robert Eifler: Road cycling does not lead to inguinal hernias. This is a widening of the inguinal canal into which a greater or lesser part of the intestinal wall can slip, depending on the extent of the hernia. The more common small inguinal hernias can usually be recognised by a small, movable bulge in the groin area. An inguinal hernia is usually triggered by repeated high pressure on the abdominal cavity, for example when lifting heavy weights. When riding a road bike, this area is not normally exposed to such high pressure, unless you are riding in an extremely flat position. Then the lower abdominal area can be severely bent. However, even then it is unlikely that this strain alone will cause a hernia. Riding high gears alone cannot lead to a hernia either.
However, if you have a family history of hernias, it is possible that you have a congenital predisposition to them. If this is the case, you should avoid extremely aerodynamic sitting positions and long periods of pedalling in very high gears, such as when sprinting or cycling uphill. Exercise can help to prevent this by strengthening the straight and oblique abdominal muscles. Unfortunately, it is not possible to judge the choice of surgical method from afar, as this depends on the individual situation. You will probably be able to resume cycling training after about three weeks, or according to the instructions of your surgeon. Stick to easy basic endurance training for the first few weeks.
