Learn more about incontinence
These articles about leaks, bedwetting and continence care are here for you regardless if you are a man, woman, carer, relative, or professional.
Frequent urination, along with other types of urinary incontinence, is often a symptom of an underlying condition or disorder. Back pain may also be a symptom of the same condition, in which case incontinence and back pain might occur at the same time.
Lower back pain and leaking urine can be caused by a number of things, from age, weight gain and pregnancy to more serious conditions, such as kidney and prostate problems and spinal disorders. Below is a guide to the common causes of back pain and bladder disorders – if you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak to a doctor to get a proper diagnosis.
While there is research on back pain as a cause of urinary incontinence, the exact reasons for the link between the two are unclear. Some people experience bladder leakage as a result of pain or pressure being put on the back, which may have a physical or neurological source. Evidence suggests that in some cases, the contracting of the muscles which hold or release urine may also trigger back pain; however, more research is needed to determine why.
What part of the spine controls the bladder?
The sacral micturition centre sits at the base of the spine, and is the part of the spinal cord that controls your bladder and sphincter. This area contains nerves which send signals between the brain and bladder, and instructions to relax the urethra. As a result, urinary problems and incontinence can occur if the spinal nerves affecting bladder are damaged.
Neurogenic Bladder Disorder
Injuries to the spine that result in nerve damage are often linked to Neurogenic Bladder Disorder (NBD) – urination issues caused by neurological impairment. In the case of NBD, the spinal nerves affecting bladder may cause the bladder to become overactive, often resulting in frequent urination, urgency, or total loss of bladder control.
NBD is often caused by spinal cord injuries (SCI), which affect the body’s ability to carry nerve signals. Herniated discs, lumbar tumours, and spinal fractures may also cause back pain and spinal nerve damage, leading to bladder dysfunction.
Spinal stenosis and bladder problems
Spinal stenosis is a common condition where the spinal column narrows, putting pressure on the nerves there. As a result, the nerves which control bladder function compress, often leading to neurogenic bladder dysfunction. Lower back pain presenting alongside NBD urinary issues could therefore be a symptom of spinal lumbar stenosis.