Can external impact cause a hernia? Three days ago in school I was poked VERY hard in my left side between the hip and ribs a few times. Since then I've had a slight pain there and something feels out of place.

It is very unlikely that external pressure has led to you developing a hernia. In fact, hernias work the other way round - the pressure travels from the inside out!

Why people get hernias

A hernia occurs when part of your inside pushes out through your muscles or tissue. Many hernias show themselves as small lumps or swellings with very little or no pain. Most are in the tummy or abdomen area.

What can cause hernias?

Hernias can occur whatever your age, although they're most common in the very young (in fact in the unborn!) and older men. Causes include:

• When a foetus's abdominal wall doesn't grow properly

• Older men straining to pick up heavy objects

• Chronic, continual coughing that creates spasms

• Surgery