12/31/2025
Question: "Can you feel a hiatal hernia? Do they hurt?"
Dr. Mitchell’s Answer:
No - you cannot feel a hiatal hernia. A hiatal hernia occurs when the area where your esophagus attaches to your stomach becomes loose, allowing part of the stomach to slide up and down through the opening in the diaphragm. The hernia itself doesn’t hurt, and you can’t “feel” it moving.
In fact, many people with hiatal hernias have no symptoms at all. They’re often found incidentally during imaging or endoscopy done for other reasons.
When symptoms do happen, it’s usually because the lower esophageal sphincter doesn’t tighten as well, which can lead to:
Acid reflux
Heartburn
Regurgitation
Symptoms that worsen when bending over or after larger meals.
Hiatal hernias are extremely common:
About 50% of people have one by age 50
About 60% have one by age 60
Most are managed with lifestyle changes or reflux treatment rather than surgery!