If hemorrhoids are all about pain, discomfort, itching, and bleeding for you, then it’s time for you to take action and work toward improving or eliminating the symptoms. However, one of the most crucial aspects of dealing with hemorrhoids at home is figuring out the right sitting position for yourself. If you have a habit of sitting in the same position for too long, you may be contributing to the problem without realizing it.
After all, this very action determines the most about the discomfort you may be facing all day long. Found at the anal verge, for the most part, piles or hemorrhoids are swollen veins that tend to cause extreme pain in certain cases. The pressure exerted in the target area while sitting is what causes the most amount of discomfort.
So, let’s find out how sitting in the right position can help you control and, consequently, eliminate the pain.
What’s the Best Position to Sit in Hemorrhoids?
Determining a single perfect position to help you get rid of pain and discomfort may not be possible. However, there are still several ways for you to choose from.
Try Sitting on a Doughnut-Shaped Cushion
Sitting on a regular chair may be contributing to the excruciating pain you end up feeling right away. Hence, the first move that most people resort to is adding a cushion into the equation, which brings us to the question, “what type of pillow or cushion should you use to support your buttocks well while sitting?”
Hollow cushions that appear like doughnuts can greatly help elevate your buttocks as you sit. This way, the pressure is no longer directly applied to the bottom area. Moreover, unlike sitting on a flat surface, you will allow your target area to find its comfort spot inside the hollow area.
Place a Pillow Underneath Your Knees
When you plan to lie down, make sure to place a pillow beneath your knees. This way, you will be able to relieve pressure from your anal passage while also reducing the weight of your abdominal pressure on the pelvic floor. Moreover, it will also help you relieve stress from straining your muscles after undergoing a hectic schedule.
Use a Foam Wedge or Towel Roll
You can also place a foam wedge or a towel roll under each buttock or upper thighs as it will immensely help you lift the sensitive area up, and it will also help you lift some weight off the pelvic floor.
Do Not Use Rubber Ring Cushions
Even though it’s pretty common for people to be recommended to use rubber ring cushions, they may end up doing more harm than good. This is because cushions of this nature tend to increase pressure within your anus and hinder effective blood flow within your pelvic region. Hence, as a result, you will end up feeling greater pain and swelling due to elevated pressure.
Avoid Straining At All Costs
Putting pressure or straining may result in restrained blood flow, which may end up doing more harm than good for your piles. In fact, you may end up experiencing a lot more pain and swelling due to severe pressure. Actions that may contribute to straining include applying pressure to pass stool, having anal intercourse, and lifting heavy objects.
Correct Your Posture While Defecating
Make sure to sit in a squatting position while passing stools to create a more effective alignment. Moreover, it will also help you avoid the development of hemorrhoids completely. The deal is to raise your feet while sitting on the toilet and the best way to support your feet is by placing a bench beneath them.
When your sphincter muscles aren’t in a great position, they may get damaged and cause you to lose control over the bowel, assisting in creating piles or hemorrhoids.
Don’t Sit On the Toilet for Too Long.
Sitting on the toilet for longer than required is one of the major reasons for aggravation. So, avoid taking a newspaper or your phone along since they tend to be bad traps, especially when you’re suffering from a condition that prohibits immersing in any activity for too long.
When you spend more time than required on the toilet seat or if you lose track of time scrolling through social media applications, you will contribute to pressure on your blood vessels. The result? Aggravated swelling and pain.
Remember, eliminating pain and reducing discomfort due to piles or hemorrhoids isn’t something you can achieve overnight. Improving your posture while sitting is one of the many ways to deal with the repercussions of the condition. The takeaway here is to avoid immersing in any activity for too long, be it sitting or standing. Keeping your body in the same position for prolonged periods will only end up making matters worse.
The Bottom Line
Getting rid of itchiness, pain, and discomfort is possible if you’re able to figure out how to shrink your swollen veins. One way to do that is making sitz baths a consistent part of your routine. Try soaking your bottom in a warm bathtub for 15 minutes at least twice or thrice a day.
Again, correcting your posture while pursuing an activity is one out of many ways to feel better. However, making necessary changes in your diet and lifestyle is equally important. Incorporate fiber and lots of water in your daily food intake, and you shall start seeing the difference.
In the end, it’s important to acknowledge that home remedies alone will not help you deal with the problem effectively. There may come a time when you need medical attention, and knowing when to go for it is the key to helping yourself get better. If your hemorrhoids require surgery, then make sure to discuss the required details about laser with your health care professional.
All in all, a healthy diet, plenty of activity for the day, and being aware of your symptoms is the best way to curb symptoms and control your piles.
