Getting rid of hemorrhoids may seem like a daunting task, but the fact they’re not life-threatening may make it easier to process the pain. Regardless, the discomfort is never worth going through, which is why getting to the crux of it all is important.
For one, it’s important to acknowledge that hemorrhoids are prevalent. One reason behind its widespread existence is working hours that prompt people to sit in one place for a long time. For most Colon and Rectal Surgeons, coming across complaints about hemorrhoids is by far the most common part of their jobs.
So, what causes hemorrhoids, and is sitting for long hours a factor that contributes to its development? Let’s find out.
Can You Prevent Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids often increase in size due to the trapped blood in the veins around your anal region. What causes the blood to trap? Well, it can be caused by several factors. For instance, when you struggle to lift a heavy object at home or work, it may add to the pressure that inevitably contributes to it.
Moreover, actions such as sitting for long hours can also push your veins in a downward direction, which may result in irritation. Similarly, standing for most of the day can also have the same effect.
Are Some People At a Greater Risk of Developing Them?
Some people are more likely to develop complications due to hemorrhoids is as true as it can get. So, full-time truck drivers, for instance, are at a much bigger risk of undergoing problems as compared to someone who has a more balanced routine.
Then, some spend a good chunk of their day in desk chairs in a typical office job. Hence, it’s absolutely crucial to invest in chairs that offer an appropriate amount of support. However, it doesn’t entail that you no longer need exercise. Frequent breaks where you can work out can do wonders in preventing discomfort.
Some professionals also recommend going for quick walks at least twice a day, and it doesn’t require you to wear your jogging boots or look for a park. Taking short walks around the room or the office also works. Again, if the nature of your job is such that you cannot take walks, make it a habit to take a few minutes of break in between and stretch your body. This way, you will not inhibit blood flow in your body, and you will also be able to lower the pressure that may unknowingly be causing hemorrhoidal irritation.
Prolonged Sitting and Hemorrhoids
In a nutshell, prolonged sitting does play a key role in the inflammation of your hemorrhoidal tissue. However, it isn’t entirely out of your control to make the required changes in your routine and avoid the excruciating pain that accompanies the condition. You may want to start out by recognizing what part of the routine is adding to the pressure. Is it sitting? Standing? Or the posture?
Allow yourself to take frequent breaks to break the pattern that has been contributing to the discomfort. This way, you will be able to assist in shrinking your hemorrhoids back to normal, hence avoiding the complications.
Once you have been able to recognize and remove a problematic pattern of your routine, the next step is to work to maintain it so you can avoid any chances of a recurrence. The takeaway here is that reducing periods of immobility and avoiding the practice of straining during bowel movements is by far the best way to avoid the development of inflamed hemorrhoids.
Is Managing Inflamed Hemorrhoids Possible?
The first step is to involve a health care professional so they can examine your anal region thoroughly and give you a diagnosis and treatment plan. Once complications have been ruled out, you may notice the condition improving on its own in a matter of a few weeks.
Your proctologist may also recommend avoiding prolonged periods of sitting and all the other practices that may be worsening your symptoms.
Another common strategy to manage your inflamed hemorrhoids is investing in pillows that provide enough support in the center. Sitting on a couch or bed in a recumbent position may also help provide support and the consequent healing.
Dietary Changes
While avoiding prolonged periods of standing or sitting is a way to manage your discomfort, it’s also important to make the required dietary changes.
For instance, your health care professional may advise you to increase your fiber intake, use some prescribed stool softeners and drink a lot of water throughout the day. Avoid straining as you sit on the toilet because the practice will only delay your healing and make matters worse.
At the same time, don’t underestimate the comfort a good sitz bath can help you achieve. Make sure to have your symptoms examined and the possibility of an invasive treatment ruled out so you can resort to the non-invasive ways of treating them.
What Happens If Your Condition Doesn’t Improve?
Your health care professional will put forward all the possible courses of treatment in case your condition doesn’t improve. Some of them include:
- Rubber band ligation
- Injections to allow the vein to shrink
- Surgery to remove the vein
- Incision to remove the clotted hemorrhoid
- Transarterial Hemorrhoidal Earterialization
- PPH (Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids)
Regardless, make sure to stay informed about what different symptoms can mean. For example, some of them may be pointing towards a bigger problem at hand or a much more serious condition.
The Bottom Line
All in all, if first-line treatments aren’t making your symptoms go away within the first few weeks, then you may want to consider seeing a specialist. Furthermore, never ignore it if your symptoms are only getting worse because even though complications tend to be rare, they may turn out to be much more serious than what you may have thought. In the end, it’s safe to conclude that prolonged periods of sitting and even standing can make the problem worse.
