Hemorrhoids are an irritating, sometimes painful condition that can interfere with activities as routine as sitting, driving and using the bathroom. The most common responses to hemorrhoids are living with them or a surgical removal. However, a course of exercise can potentially help alleviate the pain and itching of hemorrhoids, and possibly even help them fade.
Hemorrhoid Basics
Also called "piles," hemorrhoids are swollen veins in your anus or lower rectum. Symptoms include pain or bleeding during bowel movements, itching or swelling around the anus, pain or discomfort in the that area and anal leakage. Internal hemorrhoids are inside the rectum. They rarely have painful symptoms, but can bleed during defecation, which will show on stool. External hemorrhoids are under the skin around the anus, and often show as a bump in that area. They are the most painful and irritating, since they get abraded and bumped more frequently.
Causes
Hemorrhoids are common. According to information at MayoClinic.com, about half of adults have experienced hemorrhoids by age 50. The Harvard School of Public Health reports that experts vary as to the prime cause of hemorrhoids. Health care professionals seem to agree that straining during a bowel movement, or pregnancy, is what causes them. However, experts are divided as to whether weak tone, abnormally tight anus or chronic constipation are the most likely root causes.
General Exercise
Harvard reports that difficult bowel movements will cause hemorrhoids and exacerbate symptoms of hemorrhoids that already exist. A moderate session of aerobic exercise lasting 20 to 30 minutes can help regulate your bowel function. This will make your trips to the bathroom easier, and help treat or prevent hemorrhoids.
Specific Exercises
Some believe that you can do specific exercises to eliminate hemorrhoids, such as the Edgar Cayce exercise program. This exercise, which is typical, involves standing on the toes while bending over. Theoretically, it will strengthen your anal sphincter to help prevent and alleviate hemorrhoids. Although these exercises boast a wealth of anecdotal support, none have been proven through clinical trials.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Hemorrhoids
- Harvard School of Public Health: Hemorrhoids
- Choosing Natural Health: Hemorrhoid Exercises
- "Yoga For a New Age"; Bob Smith; 1986
