Whether you are lifting a piece of heavy furniture or lifting weights, lifting too much weight can lead to a common condition called hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins in the anus or lower rectum, and can be made worse by frequent heavy lifting or holding your breath when lifting heavy objects. This can cause a sudden increase of pressure in blood vessels.
The best way to avoid the development of hemorrhoids is by using some basic lifting and breathing techniques that will minimize your risk. Our experienced colorectal surgeons and gastroenterologists at the Hemorrhoid Center of Excellence can help with hemorrhoid prevention in Los Angeles by calling (888) 742-2032.
How Heavy Lifting Worsens Hemorrhoids
When lifting heavy objects, like weights, many people have a tendency to hold their breath and strain. Grunting as you hold your breath will force the air in your lungs down, increasing the pressure on your internal organs and, ultimately, the veins near your rectum that can swell and protrude as uncomfortable hemorrhoids. This buildup of abdominal pressure is similar to the pressure created when you strain to have a bowel movement, which is one of the most frequent causes of hemorrhoids.
In many cases, exercise is beneficial for patients who suffer from hemorrhoids; however, make sure to utilize techniques that will minimize the risk of your hemorrhoids worsening.
What Type of Exercise Is Beneficial for Hemorrhoids?
Regular exercise is beneficial when you are suffering from hemorrhoids. While weightlifting might be limited when dealing with hemorrhoids, but yoga and walking provide good forms of exercise that can help you prevent and relieve hemorrhoid symptoms. Try taking a 30-minute walk each morning, and perform exercises throughout the day that contract and release your perineal muscles.
A good exercise to work your perineal muscle is known as Kegal exercises. Contract the perineum for four seconds, and then release. This is considered one set. Do 10 to 15 sets at a time, two to three times a day. Increase the amount of time you hold the muscles by two seconds every two weeks until you reach 10 seconds. Once you are proficient, 10 to 25 sets a day should be enough.
How to Prevent Hemorrhoids When Lifting
Reducing your risk of hemorrhoids during weight lifting is all about how you inhale and exhale. Rather than pushing your breath down under the stress of heavy weights, make an effort to push that air up towards your throat. Before each lift, take a breath and hold it, pushing the air upwards as you lift the weight. If you are lifting weights during a workout, after each rep, exhale your breath completely and start the process over.
By implementing this breathing technique, you will reduce the pressure you place on your abdominal organs as you strain against that heavy barbell or bench press, which can help you avoid hemorrhoids and other conditions such as hernias.
If you have a history of heavy lifting and hemorrhoids, it’s recommended that you speak with one of our hemorrhoid doctors in Beverly Hills before starting strength training or weight lifting, in order to avoid the risk of injury and hemorrhoid recurrence.
Contact the Hemorrhoid Center of Excellence Today
By making changes to your heavy lifting routine, you can reduce the chance of causing or worsening your hemorrhoids. If you’re currently suffering from hemorrhoids or want to know more about hemorrhoid prevention in Los Angeles, feel free to schedule an appointment at the La Peer Health Systems’ Hemorrhoid Center of Excellence by calling (888) 742-2032.
Next, read about how age increases your risk for hemorrhoids.