Back Pain And Hemorrhoids
Back pain and hemorrhoids can be related in causation and are often found together. In fact, piles are much more commonplace in people with many different types of chronic pain, but are especially prevalent in back pain sufferers.
Being that both of these conditions are true torture to endure, it seems especially cruel that they are often working in tandem to ruin a persons life! Why are hemorrhoids so frequently seen in people who suffer with back pain? Additionally, what treatment challenges does back pain present for hemorrhoid sufferers and vice versa?
This focuses discussion provides crucial information on the relationship between hemorrhoids and chronic back pain. We will explore why these 2 conditions are often found together and how they can be treated effectively.
How Do Healthcare Providers Treat Hemorrhoids
You should see your healthcare provider if symptoms get worse or interfere with your daily life or sleep. Also seek help if signs dont improve after a week of at-home treatments. Your provider may treat hemorrhoids with:
- Rubber band ligation: A small rubber band placed around the base of a hemorrhoid cuts off blood supply to the vein.
- Electrocoagulation: An electric current stops blood flow to a hemorrhoid.
- Infrared coagulation: A small probe inserted into the rectum transmits heat to get rid of the hemorrhoid.
- Sclerotherapy: A chemical injected into the swollen vein destroys hemorrhoid tissue.
Surgical treatments include:
- Hemorrhoidectomy: Surgery removes large external hemorrhoids or prolapsed internal ones.
- Hemorrhoid stapling: A stapling instrument removes an internal hemorrhoid. Or it pulls a prolapsed internal hemorrhoid back inside the anus and holds it there.
Can Internal Or External Hemorrhoids Symptoms Cause Left Or Right Lower Back Pain Is A Bleeding Pile Also Responsible
Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints of a lot of people, the second most common source of pain, actually. This condition arises from different factors, like nerve compression of the spine, pregnancy due to increased weight of the body, back injury or trauma and less commonly would people associate it with the existence of a haemorrhoid.
Though many experts would say that there is no direct link between hemorrhoids and lower back pain, they can still cause lower back pain indirectly. Before linkingthem together, it is nice to review first what a haemorrhoid is, how it develops and what are the symptoms associated with it to fully understand the relationship of these two conditions.
Normally, when a food is ingested, the gastrointestinal tract would digest it through its continuous peristaltic movements, churning and squeezing each food material to convert it into small particles. Through digestion, the nutrient contents of the eaten food are absorbed, leaving the residues in the lumen of the intestines. These residues are mostly composed of indigestible materials like fibre. The fibre content of the food that you ingested is directly proportional to the transit of these food materials to the anus.
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Related Conditions And Causes Of Hemorrhoids
Gastrointestinal problems such as constipation and diarrhea can lead to or worsen hemorrhoids. The prolonged sitting or straining that may occur when you’re dealing with these issues puts pressure on the hemorrhoidal tissue.
Hemorrhoids also often develop during pregnancy. This is similarly due to greater pressure in the area but can also be due to an increase in blood volume and as a result of hormonal changes that increase the likelihood of swelling. Constipation during pregnancy is a common cause of hemorrhoids.
Internal Rectal Prolapse Or Hemorrhoids Incomplete Evacuation
Iâve been having problems recently that iâm pretty sure is either internal rectal prolapse or pretty bad haemorrhoids. This has made wiping after a bowel movement very difficult. I have also been suffering from incomplete evacuation, presumably as a result of the blockage.I tend to use wet wipes but i still find that i am on the toilet wiping for a very long time. Its an extremely frustrating and demoralising experience. I wonder if anyone else has a similar issue? if so, does anyone have any tips so that I can ensure that i get the whole area clean? As i often worry that i havenât been able to clean everywhere properly and that its making me smell bad.I have tried wetting the wet wipes with warm water, but i find this makes the area more sensitive which causes pain when wiping further down the line.
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Stomach Burning Sensation And Pain
Ever since I was a little kid iâve gotten those really intense stomach aches/cramps whenever iâm doing something special. When I was a kid I got them every single morning before school, I used to sit on the floor and almost cry because it hurt so badly but they always passed as soon as I got there. Nowadays I donât get them every time iâm going to school but every time iâm doing something special like going on a date with my boyfriend or travelling somewhere! I get so nauseous, I run to the bathroom several times and I canât eat for the entire day. It has been so bad I was on a date once and I couldnât eat, I had to force myself to and later run to the bathroom where I nearly threw up. I donât get nervous, at least I donât feel nervous.. but maybe thatâs it? I just think itâs weird because I can be super excited about something but those stomach pains ruin everything..Also lately iâve had this weird burning sensation in my stomach, it gets worse when I eat spicy foods or drink coffee or anything else with lots of caffeine like energy drinks. Iâve never been sensitive to either before in my life. Iâve been a coffee drinker since age 5. Believe it or not..But those burning stomach pains they have been there for maybe 2 or 3 months now.. everyday more or less. Itâs getting really annoying.Any ideas what either of those things could be? Do I have a sensitive belly or something and how do I treat that?
Hemorrhoids Are Painful But Not Deadly
Hemorrhoids can cause severe pain and discomfort. However, hemorrhoids themselves are not deadly. Even the most severe flare-ups wont put your life in danger.
Hemorrhoids can be internal, meaning they line the internal wall of your anus, or external, meaning you can feel them on the outside of your anus.
Both types of hemorrhoids can cause other health complications, some of which arent good for your long-term health.
Complications of internal hemorrhoids can include:
- internal bleeding
- a prolapsed internal hemorrhoid, which emerges from your anus and becomes visible
Complications of external hemorrhoids can include:
- thrombosis due to blood flow concerns
- strangulated hemorrhoids
For this reason, you shouldnt assume that internal bleeding and pain or lumps at your rectum are caused by hemorrhoids.
If treating your hemorrhoids at home doesnt provide relief after a week or so, you should schedule an appointment to talk with a doctor about your symptoms.
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How Can I Prevent Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are common as you get older. These steps can help prevent hard stools and constipation that can lead to hemorrhoids:
- Dont sit too long or push too hard on the toilet.
- Go the toilet when the urge hits dont delay bowel movements.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Eat more high-fiber foods or take supplements. Generally, women should aim for 25 grams of fiber per day, while men should get 35 grams of fiber.
- Stay physically active. Being on the move keeps bowels moving.
- Take laxatives or use enemas only as recommended by your healthcare provider. Too many laxatives or enemas can make it hard for your body to regulate how you poop.
Can Hemorrhoids Cause Bloating
Indirectly, hemorrhoids may cause bloating.
Bloating and constipation are side effects of a diet that lacks fiber, and this unbalanced diet undoubtedly leads to hemorrhoids. However, if you start by eating too much fiber in an attempt to curb your hemorrhoids, bloating can undoubtedly occur.
So, if you are using fiber as a way to prevent and treat hemorrhoids, begin including it into your diet gradually. By doing so, you can avoid that bloated feeling.
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Treatments For Fissures And Hemorrhoids
Dr. Miller: When do you treat a fissure or hemorrhoids with a procedure?
Dr. Pickron: I’ll talk about the fissures first and probably maybe 10 or 20% of those are actually treated surgically. We have creams that we can use that generally take care of things. If that doesn’t work, Botox injection is an option. If those don’t work, then the last resort is certainly surgery.
Dr. Miller: So that’s treatment for fissures, how do you treat hemorrhoids?
Dr. Pickron: Again, most of these are treated non-operatively. There are procedures in the office we do. The most common thing we do is a procedure called rubber band ligation, where we put rubber bands around the hemorrhoids on the inside. That sounds pretty painful, but truthfully the internal hemorrhoids really have no sensation, so it’s a very easy procedure to do and very well tolerated. It’s usually just some mild pressure for about 24 hours and that’s it. The ones that do need to be treated surgically, like I said, are typically the external ones and those are, fortunately for patients, fairly rare.
Dr. Miller: It would seem to me to be rare, but are there times that the pain could be induced by something like a cancer?
Dr. Pickron: It is. That’s certainly one reason that these symptoms need to be evaluated very thoroughly.
Dr. Miller: So if they’re going on for weeks, that’s something that probably ought to be looked at?
What Are The Symptoms Of Hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids rarely cause pain unless they prolapse. Many people with internal hemorrhoids dont know they have them because they dont have symptoms.
If you have symptoms of internal hemorrhoids, you might see blood on toilet paper, in stool or the toilet bowl. These are signs of rectal bleeding.
Signs of external hemorrhoids include:
- Itchy anus.
- Hard lumps near the anus that feel sore or tender.
- Pain or ache in the anus, especially when you sit.
- Rectal bleeding.
Prolapsed hemorrhoids can be painful and uncomfortable. You may be able to feel them bulging outside the anus and gently push them back inside.
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What Should I Do If I Have Signs And Symptoms Of Colon Cancer Or Hemorrhoids
When to Call the Doctor for Colon Cancer Symptoms and Signs
If you have any of these symptoms call a doctor.
- Bright red blood on the toilet paper, in the toilet bowl, or in your stool when you have a bowel movement
- Change in the character or frequency of your bowel movements
- Sensation of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement
- Unexplained or persistent abdominal pain or distension
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unexplained, persistent nausea or vomiting
If you have any of these symptoms, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department.
- Large amounts of bleeding from your rectum, especially if associated with sudden weakness or dizziness
- Unexplained severe pain in your belly or pelvis
- Vomiting and inability to keep fluids down
When to Call the Doctor for Hemorrhoid Symptoms and Signs
Bleeding from the rectum or anus is never normal and although hemorrhoids are the most common reason to have blood in the stool. If you have rectal bleeding or blood in your stool, call a doctor. Other causes of rectal bleeding exist and can be serious. Inflammatory bowel disease and cancers of the colon can cause with rectal bleeding. Blood in the stool should never be ignored.
How Are Hemorrhoids Diagnosed
Your healthcare provider diagnoses hemorrhoids based on symptoms and a physical exam. You may also have:
- Digital rectal exam: Your provider inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for swollen veins.
- Anoscopy: Your provider uses an anoscope to view the lining of the anus and rectum.
- Sigmoidoscopy: Your provider uses a sigmoidoscope to view inside the lower part of the colon and rectum. Procedure types include flexible sigmoidoscopy and rigid sigmoidoscopy .
These tests may be uncomfortable but arent painful. They typically take place in a doctors office or outpatient center without anesthesia. You go home the same day.
Your provider may perform a colonoscopy to confirm findings from other tests or check for signs of colon cancer. This outpatient procedure requires anesthesia.
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Here Are The Most Common Ways To Treat The Pain Associated With Hemorrhoids:
- Many prolapsed hemorrhoids will reduce on their own. In more serious cases, if they do not spontaneously reduce, you will need to seek medical treatment for prescription medication or non-invasive procedures. Before you seek medical treatment, many patients are successful with at-home treatment. Prolapsed hemorrhoids can be treated through self-care options. These include:
- The use of ice packs
- Sitz baths
- Over-the-counter wipes, creams, and ointments
- Avoidance of straining during bowel movements
- High-fiber diets
- The use of fiber supplements
- Proper hydration
Signs And Symptoms Of Hemorrhoids
Seeing blood in your toilet bowl after a bowel movement is no doubt alarming, but its one of the main symptoms of hemorrhoids. Other symptoms include:
- Bright red blood on toilet paper or in your stool after a bowel movement
- Itching in the anal area
- Pain in the anal area, especially when sitting
- Pain during bowel movements
- One or more hard, painful lumps around the anus
If you experience any of these hemorrhoid symptoms, avoid excess straining, rubbing, or cleaning around the anus, which can make irritation and itching worse, and can even lead to bleeding. In addition, try to pat the area dry instead of wiping it.
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Anatomy : The Key Lies In The Muscles
In order to prevent the untimely, accidental discharge of feces, liquid or gas out the anus, our bodies have special muscles called the levator muscles. The levator muscles work in concert with our anal sphincters to give us our full control of our bowels under normal circumstances. The levators elevate the abdominal contents out of the pelvic cavity think elevator and also contract around the rectum to hold in the contents and aid in peristalsis. Peristalsis is the pulsing of these muscles to help to push the content of the colon and rectum forward.
The each of the group of levator muscles has an origin and an insertion . These attachments are the key to the strong muscle contractions necessary for peristalsis. Each end of each levator muscle is attached to a stationary bone.
The levators begin in the front of the pelvic cavity and end in the back of the pelvis. One of the points of termination for some of these muscles is the coccyx, or tailbone.
Because of this connection and the strength of the levator muscles, the tailbone flexes slightly with each muscle contraction. This connection and movement explains why an issue that seems to only affect the anus can cause tailbone pain.
Back Pain And Hemorrhoids Hell
Back pain is a terrible burden to bear. It is a misery and prevents normal functionality. In fact, back pain is a leading cause of disability in the developed world.
Back pain is often found in combination with other chronic health disorders, such as digestive woes, headaches, depression and yes, even hemorrhoids.
Meanwhile, hemorrhoids are most often blamed on straining while using the toilet or on sitting for an extended length of time on a day to day basis. While these activities can certainly worsen hemorrhoidal symptoms, there is actually little evidence that either of these things truly causes hemorrhoids. Just ask the countless people who are never constipated, do not sit often or for long and never strain, yet still suffer horrible piles!
Additionally, both conditions suffer from tremendous mythology as far as causation and treatment are concerned. There are a vast number of treatments for back pain, yet few are effective and most are never necessary. Similarly, there are many hemorrhoid therapies, but most never cure the problem and many make things much worse. Sounds a lot like spinal surgery
Why are back pain and hemorrhoids so difficult to effectively treat? Why do they love to keep each other company for a double dose of misery? Lets explore further!
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Different Kinds Of Hemorrhoids Can Cause Similar Symptoms
When internal hemorrhoids do progress, they will often protrude outside the anus, becoming prolapsed hemorrhoids. You can read about prolapsed hemorrhoids in several of our blog posts: Prolapsed Internal Hemorrhoids, What is a Prolapsed Hemorrhoid, and Rectal Prolapse or Hemorrhoids?). An internal hemorrhoid that has reached this stage can cause some external hemorrhoid-like symptoms, such as itchiness and swelling. Since prolapsed hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids can cause similar symptoms, its sometimes difficult to know which is which without a doctors professional diagnosis. It is also not uncommon for both to be present at once.
