Chiropractic Care for Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial cystitis is an uncomfortable condition that affects your quality of life. There is no cure, but chiropractic care can help you manage the symptoms and, in some cases, enjoy remission.

Interstitial Cystitis 

Interstitial cystitis is a chronic condition that affects bladder health. Symptoms include bladder pressure and chronic pain extending from the bladder to the pelvis. Chronic pelvic pain or perineal pain can range from mild to severe.

Interstitial cystitis occurs when the signals between the brain and bladder get mixed up. Usually, when your bladder is full, it signals to your brain that it’s time to go to the bathroom. This signal is transmitted through the pelvic nerves. When someone has interstitial cystitis, they get the urge to urinate more frequently than they should. Even a small amount of urine can feel urgent.

Women experience interstitial cystitis more often than men, and it is more common in people who have another chronic pain disorder, like irritable bowel syndrome or fibromyalgia. There is no cure for the condition, but there are treatments that can help you manage the discomfort.

The Role of Chiropractic Care in Managing Interstitial Cystitis

Chiropractic care can play a vital role in treating and managing interstitial cystitis.

The pelvic and sacral nerves link your spinal cord, brain, and bladder. Overstimulation of these nerves can lead to an urgent need to use the bathroom, even when your bladder is mostly empty.

Chiropractic treatment improves the health and function of the pelvic and sacral nerves, reducing the frequent and urgent need to urinate. For many people, chiropractic adjustment frees you from the need to use medications to treat interstitial cystitis. 

The Connection Between the Nervous System and Bladder Function

There is a direct connection between your nervous system and how your bladder functions.

Your nervous system, which includes the parasympathetic, sympathetic, and somatic, controls your urinary tract. There are three sets of nerves involved in bladder function, including:

• Pelvic parasympathetic nerves
• Lumbar sympathetic nerves
• Pudendal nerves

These three sets of nerves work together to relax, excite, and stimulate the urinary tract.

Techniques Used in Chiropractic Care 

Chiropractic adjustments focus on improving several things when it comes to treating bladder health:

• Increasing the stability and strength of your core, transverse abdominals, hips, and pelvic floor, all of which affect bladder function
• Increasing muscle activity and communication between your core and pelvic floor
• Use biofeedback for pelvic floor training
• Improving posture

Your chiropractor will likely encourage you to perform at-home exercises, focus on good nutrition, and keep a log of your bathroom habits to help you track your healing.

Bladder muscles are controlled by the central nervous system, which works in conjunction with your spine. This means a chiropractic adjustment can remove nerve interference between your brain and urinary system. Restoring spinal alignment relieves low back pain, corrects vertebral subluxation, and allows your bladder to function correctly. 

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Interstitial Cystitis

At least one study shows that some patients may have bladder and urinary problems associated with spinal dysfunction. Correcting spinal issues can improve bladder health and overall well-being. Chiropractic treatment is safe, all-natural, and effective. It provides a drug-free treatment option, targets the root of health concerns, does what it can to correct them, and allows the body to heal.

Dr. Darren Faherty D.C.

In 2004, Dr. Darren Faherty graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from UWEC - University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. Dr. Darren continued education at the highly esteemed University of Western States (formerly Western States Chiropractic College) where he obtained his chiropractic degree in 2007. He has been helping people recover from injuries and return to their normal lifestyles ever since.