05/05/2026
Having recently being diagnosed with 5 hernias, I can see why hernias remain on the muscular skeletal loop.
Hernias may be hard to see on standard imaging, in women they tend not to bulge. So harder to see and less likely to be diagnosed. Just because something isn't diagnosed doesn't mean it is not the source of your pain and they also can be concurrent with muscular skeletal issues, ie if you need a hip replacement, you still could have a femoral hernia. Be hernia aware.
I asked Gemini to summarise this YouTube video.
Remember this information is general awareness information. You will need to see your healthcare provider for further information.
What is a Hernia?
A hernia occurs when there is a physical defect or opening in the abdominal wall [17:28]. This opening allows internal tissue or organs (like fat or part of the intestine) to push through, which can cause mechanical dysfunction and significant pain [14:31].
Unlike muscle strains, hernias do not "heal" with rest, yoga, or physical therapy—they are structural defects [17:28].
Why Hernias Mimic Hip Pain
The specialists in the video explain that hip and groin pain can be incredibly "nebulous" because the anatomy is so closely packed [04:22].
Overlapping Nerves: The nerves supplying the hip and the groin area overlap significantly [06:31]. This means your brain may perceive pain in the hip joint when the actual source is a hernia in the groin.
Compensatory Patterns: When you have a hernia, your body naturally changes how it moves to avoid pain. This lack of mobility often transfers stress to the hip or lumbar spine, leading to secondary orthopedic issues [12:35].
Symptoms to Watch For
Hernia pain is often described as radiating around the "crease" where the leg meets the body [01:03]. Depending on the type, symptoms can include:
Inguinal Hernia: The most common type. Pain often radiates in the groin area and can feel like pressure or a dull ache [02:37].
Femoral Hernia: These are found slightly lower than inguinal hernias and are more common in women. They often cause pain that radiates down into the leg [01:50].
Sports Hernia (Athletic Pubalgia): This involves a strain or tear of soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments) in the lower abdomen or groin area. It often presents as deep, sharp pain during activity [06:08].
Obturator Hernia: These are often "occult" and difficult to find. They typically cause pain deep in the leg or inner thigh and are frequently missed on standard CT scans [10:35].
The Importance of Specialized Imaging
A major takeaway from the video is that standard imaging often misses these hernias [03:14]. The surgeons recommend a specific MRI protocol focused on the soft tissues of the pelvic floor and groin, as general radiologists may not be looking for the subtle signs of an occult hernia [10:14].
Advocate for Your Health
If you have been told your hip pain is just "musculoskeletal" but physical therapy isn't working, it may be time to ask for a specialized evaluation. As the experts suggest: "If you feel something is not going in the direction you think it should... start advocating for yourself" [24:20].
A great conversation with two specialists who work together to help solve some different causes of pelvic pain. Dr. Zoland and Dr. Bharam specialize in herni...
