Why does a warm bath cause the anal sphincter to stop spasming?

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In summary: This will help to keep your bowels moving.In summary, taking a warm bath can help to relax an anal sphincter and stop spasms. Suppositories may also help.
  • #1
bluemoonKY
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Physicians recommend that people with anal fissures take a lot of warm baths. Physicians say that if a person's anal sphincter is spasming (which causes a great deal of pain), a warm bath will cause the anal sphincter to stop spasming.

If I did not post this sentence, someone would probably respond: "the heat of a warm bath causes the anal sphincter to relax. This causes the anal sphincter to stop spasming." A muscle's relaxing is synonymous with a muscle's not spasming. Responding that heat causes the anal sphincter to relax is like saying heat causes an anal sphincter to stop spasming because heat causes the anal sphincter to stop spasmsing. It does not answer the question.

Why does heat cause the anal sphincter to stop spasming?
 
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  • #2
For clarification, I think what you're asking is: What is the effect of temperature on muscle spasms?

(Perhaps the answer will depend on whether the sphincter is a smooth or skeletal muscle, but I will let our medicos take it from here.)
 
  • #3
bluemoonKY said:
Physicians recommend that people with anal fissures take a lot of warm baths. Physicians say that if a person's anal sphincter is spasming (which causes a great deal of pain), a warm bath will cause the anal sphincter to stop spasming.

If I did not post this sentence, someone would probably respond: "the heat of a warm bath causes the anal sphincter to relax. This causes the anal sphincter to stop spasming." A muscle's relaxing is synonymous with a muscle's not spasming. Responding that heat causes the anal sphincter to relax is like saying heat causes an anal sphincter to stop spasming because heat causes the anal sphincter to stop spasmsing. It does not answer the question.

Why does heat cause the anal sphincter to stop spasming?
Do you have any papers on this? Perhaps if you tried to find medical research on this, it would answer your question.
 
  • #5
I had this problem before, and got better after using suppositories. Maybe worth asking your doctor about them.
 
  • #6
These problems are hard to heal. One thing which helps is to make sure there is plenty of fiber in your diet.
 

FAQ: Why does a warm bath cause the anal sphincter to stop spasming?

1. Why does a warm bath cause the anal sphincter to stop spasming?

When the body is submerged in warm water, the heat causes the blood vessels to dilate, increasing blood flow to the muscles in the body. This increase in blood flow also helps to relax the muscles, including the anal sphincter, which can help reduce spasms.

2. How does warm water affect the nerves in the anal sphincter?

Warm water can stimulate the nerves in the anal sphincter, causing them to release neurotransmitters that help to relax the muscle. This can help to reduce spasms and provide relief from discomfort.

3. Is there a specific temperature that is most effective in stopping anal sphincter spasms?

There is no specific temperature that has been proven to be most effective in stopping anal sphincter spasms. However, a warm bath or soak in a temperature that is comfortable for the individual can help to relax the muscles and reduce spasms.

4. Are there other methods besides a warm bath that can help stop anal sphincter spasms?

Yes, there are other methods that can help stop anal sphincter spasms. These include relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation, as well as certain medications or muscle relaxants prescribed by a doctor.

5. Can warm baths be used as a long-term solution for anal sphincter spasms?

While warm baths can provide temporary relief from anal sphincter spasms, they should not be relied upon as a long-term solution. It is important to address the underlying cause of the spasms and explore other treatment options with a healthcare professional.

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