Can Working From Home Cause Hemorrhoids?

While working from home protects workers from COVID-19, it may present other health concerns. 

Between increased stress, prolonged sitting, and a poor diet, remote work increases the risk of developing hemorrhoids. If you’re a homebound worker, don’t worry — hemorrhoids are avoidable. 

Today, I will break down the reasons why working from home can cause hemorrhoids. I will also give you ways to prevent them. 

What is a Hemorrhoid?

Hemorrhoids occur when blood pools into the veins around the anus and lower rectum, this causes them to become enlarged and inflamed.

There are two types of hemorrhoids — internal and external. Internal hemorrhoids are located inside the rectum, and external hemorrhoids appear as noticeable lumps around the anus. 

Symptoms of hemorrhoids include:

  • Pain or irritation around the anus

  • Itchy or painful swelling around the anus

  • Painful bowel movements

  • Bloody diarrhea

The most common cause of hemorrhoids is straining while having a bowel movement. Staining blocks blood flow into and out of the veins. 

Certain factors increase your chance of developing hemorrhoids. Some of them include:

  • Pregnancy

  • Consistent heavy lifting

  • Obesity

  • Inflammatory bowel disease

  • Genetics

  • Poor diet

Remote work can also increase the risk of developing hemorrhoids. 

How Does Working From Home Cause Hemorrhoids?

There are a few reasons why working from home can bring on hemorrhoids. Here are the main culprits:

Prolonged Sitting

Being homebound forces you to sit more than usual. According to statistics from NordVPN, remote workers are logging three more hours than before city and state-wide lockdowns. 

Sitting for extended periods puts pressure on the veins around your anus, causing hemorrhoids. Lack of movement can also cause constipation — which is a contributing factor to hemorrhoids. 

Stress

Working from home has been a source of stress for many. According to a Monster survey, about 69% of remote workers have experienced burnout during the lockdown. Stress hormones slow down digestion and cause constipation.

Poor Diet

When you’re stuck at home, nutrient-empty snacks become more tempting. A diet lacking in essential nutrients and fiber could make your bowel movements painful and irregular. 

Ways to Prevent Hemorrhoids:

You can avoid hemorrhoids by making adjustments to your work-from-home environment. Here’s what you can do:

Get an Ergonomic Chair

Most office chairs aren’t suitable for sitting for long periods. A high-quality ergonomic chair helps to take the pressure off your rectum and reduce the risk of getting a hemorrhoid.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Food high in fiber helps keep your bowel movements regular. Stocking your kitchen with fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense snacks will stop you from binging on processed food. 

Get Moving

For every hour of sitting, I recommend taking 10 minutes to stand up and stretch. This helps improve blood flow and boost your productivity.

I also recommend getting at least 20-30 minutes of exercise per day. Regular exercise helps reduce stress and keeps your bowel movements regular.

Think You Have a Hemorrhoid? Schedule a Consultation.

If you have painful symptoms and think you have a hemorrhoid, schedule a consultation. I can help rule out any serious conditions and suggest the best treatment options.

Contact my office at 310-360-6807 or click here to book a consultation. 

- Dr. Dale