Coccyx Pain and Hemorrhoids - A Donut Cushion Can Relieve Your Pain Donut pillows are a popular item among mothers who are breastfeeding babies. They are also an excellent option for people who have pains or injuries in the abdominal area, for pregnant women, or for people who have hemorrhoids. Donut pillows are so called because of their double-sided circular shape and unique top hole in the center to allow for great abdominal support. They were invented by a pregnant woman in Japan and have become very popular in the United States and other parts of the world. Here are some common questions and answers about the donut pillow and how it can benefit you and your baby. How does a donut cushion help with discomfort and pain associated with sitting? It provides relief from pain and discomfort while sitting on the toilet, which is one of the main causes of hemorrhoid discomfort for people today. Sitting on a toilet for extended periods causes extreme pressure on the anal area and can lead to discomfort, as well as inflammation and bleeding of the anus and rectum. There is a far greater risk of developing hemorrhoids if you sit for long periods of time at work or at home. Using a donut cushion while sitting on the toilet can help to alleviate some of that discomfort and pain. Why do donut pillows have double-sided slots in their center? The reason that they have this design is to provide comfort for both the pregnant woman and the person sitting on the toilet. The design of the pillow enables the center to expand slightly when the person seated on the toilet reclines. This expansion of the center helps relieve pressure on the anal area and tailbone area which are two of the main causes of hemorrhoids. Are donut cushions really recommended for pain relief? While donut cushions come with special padding designed to provide comfort and pain relief, they are not meant for every day use. Pain relief is not the only benefit provided by these special cushions and many people who purchase these cushions also use them for pain relief. Can a donut cushion be used for coccyx pain? Many chiropractors recommend the use of a donut cushion for relieving discomfort from the coccyx and other back problems. However, there is a difference between relief from pain and relief from discomfort. Coccyx pain is usually caused by strain placed on the muscles and ligaments in the back. A donut cushion will only relieve pain, but it won't help with the cause of hemorrhoids. Using a donut cushion can help relieve hemorrhoid symptoms such as itching and burning. It will not relieve the hemorrhoid itself. However, some hemorrhoid sufferers do report relief from hemorrhoid symptoms when they use a donut cushion. There are many different brands and types of donut cushions. Some are made from memory foam. Memory foam is known for its support and comfort. The manufacturers of memory foam have designed these products in a way that the shape of the product conforms to the users body. This means that the user will feel less pressure on the hemorrhoid. Molded foam has a similar feel to memory foam, but it is much sturdier and more comfortable than memory foam. People who sit for long periods of time may develop coccyx pain and hemorrhoids. Sitting on a donut cushion can help take some of the pressure off of the tailbone. The added comfort of the molded foam also makes a good combination with hemorrhoid treatments. Coccyx pain and hemorrhoids can be relieved and minimized with the right donut cushion. Donut pillows for coccyx pain and hemorrhoids can be found online. Make sure you get one that has a neck support so that your head is properly supported.