Spinal disorders and injuries could cause a nerve injury through compression or damage causing Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction also known as Bladder Dysfunction. Neurogenic bladder disorder means an individual is having problems with urination.
Neurogenic involves the nervous system and the nerve tissues that supply and stimulate the organs and muscles to function and operate correctly. Neurogenic bladder dysfunction causes the nerves that control the bladder and muscles in urination to be overactive or underactive. �
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Symptoms
Constant bathroom visits
Control in urination is limited
Complete involuntary urination
Sudden urge/s to urinate
The bladder is unable to hold urine
The bladder fails to empty completely
Overfilling of the bladder creates intense pressure causing accidental leakage
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Nerves of the Bladder
The brain and spinal cord function as the headquarters with the spine as the body’s highway that transmits and relays signals/messages to and from the bladder. In the low back, the spinal cord splits apart into a bundle of nerves called the cauda equina. �
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At the end of the lumbar spine is the sacrum this area is known as the sacral spine. The sacrum is the backside of the pelvis between the hip bones. The nerves in the sacral spine branch out and become part of the peripheral nervous system. �
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These nerves provide and stimulate bladder sensation and function. When these nerves become compressed, inflamed, injured, or damaged in some way, organ dysfunction can present. This is when any of the symptoms listed above can develop and progress. �
Potential Causes of Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction
Spinal Cord Injury/s are a common cause of neurogenic bladder dysfunction. The spinal cord does not have to be severed to cause paralysis below the injured part of the spine. If the spinal cord gets bruised or there is improper blood flow, the spinal cord’s ability to send nerve signals can become inhibited. Cauda Equina Syndrome happens when the nerves spinal roots become pinched or compressed. It is rare, but it is a serious medical condition that requires immediate medical attention. Causes of cauda equina syndrome include:
Trauma like an auto accident, personal/work/sports injury
Spinal condition from injury or present from birth
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Treatment
The treatment depends on the cause or causes of neurogenic bladder dysfunction. A primary physician could call upon a bladder specialist like a urologist, nephrologist, or urogynecologist to collaborate and coordinate the treatment plan. If the dysfunction is caused by a nerve root compression, a spinal procedure (discectomy) is performed to decompress and relieve the pressure on the nerves.
Nutrition and Fitness During These Times
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Q: Dr. Jimenez, I have a question about degenerative disc disease, and that is can it cause nerve pain in the feet? El Paso, TX.
A: Yes in certain cases, degenerative disc disease (DDD) can cause nerve problems with the feet.
Degenerative disc disease, specifically of the lower spine, can cause nerve pain to radiate and spread into the feet from the spine.
Degenerative disc disease
Is a spine condition that’s caused by everyday wear and tear of the spine can lead to significant loss of disc height.
A disc can also herniate and push on the nerves that flow into the feet, and cause:
Pain
Tingling
Numbness
The wear and tear of the spine combined with a herniated disc can pinch the nerves that go to the feet.
There is a condition known as foraminal spinal stenosis when the spinal foramen or the small opening between the bones of the spine begins to narrow and tighten so the nerves get compressed and do not allow signals and chemicals to flow properly.
This could explain the pain or other symptoms in the foot.
DDD can cause nerve problems in the feet, back and chronic back pain is the most common symptom of degenerative disc disease.
Common degenerative disc disease symptoms
The pain increases when:
Sit down for a long time
Bending
Lifting
Twisting
The pain decreases with:
Walking
Running
Lying down
Continually changing body positions
It’s important to remember that nerve issues with the feet are not always caused by spinal conditions, this could include
Depending on how severe the nerve problem is, there are a number of treatment options. These range from:
Chiropractic care
Physical therapy
Over-the-counter medication
Talk to a doctor or a chiropractor about the right treatment option for foot nerve pain. Whether it is caused by degenerative disc disease or some other condition.
These can help maintain a healthy weight, as being overweight puts extra pressure on the spine that leads to increased back pain. Consult with a registered dietitian or health coach to discuss the best foods for your diet.
Exercise
A training regimen that incorporates aerobic, strength and flexibility exercises that can help manage degenerative disc symptoms.
A personal trainer or sports chiropractor that has experience rehabilitating patients with spine conditions. They can teach exercises that can help relieve pain and other symptoms.
They can develop a custom physical therapy program
Regular chiropractic and physical therapy can help restore proper body mechanics, proper posture, as well as, avoiding positions that cause pain.
Surgery
Surgery is considered a last resort or if the condition is progressing and getting worse. If surgery is needed, your doctor will discuss the best treatment option for your condition.
Difference Foot Orthotics Make to *REDUCE FOOT PAIN* & Correct Posture | El Paso, TX.
NCBI Resources
Chiropractic focuses on restoring and maintaining overall health and wellness. Through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, a chiropractor can re-align the spine, and improve a patient�s strength, mobility, and flexibility.
Pinched nerves are a common complaint that can cause a wide variety of symptoms. In many cases the condition can be resolved quickly through chiropractic care; sometimes with just one session. However, chiropractic should be treated as an ongoing practice for better health and wellness.
Not only can chiropractic care help you better manage pain and resolve many health problems it can also help prevent injuries and certain conditions from developing. This often means that seeking chiropractic for a pinched nerve is a wise decision and can bring a quick resolution.
In the spine, a herniated disc can put pressure on the nerve root, causing pain and discomfort. In the wrist, it can cause a condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Why is a Pinched Nerve such a Challenge?
The issue with a pinched nerve is finding the source. When a nerve is pinched, the pain and other symptoms may not be at the actual site. Instead, the pain and other sensations can travel to other parts of the body, including down the leg or through the arm. This can make it difficult to treat, but an experienced, knowledgeable chiropractor can assess the situation and treat the condition, bringing relief to the patient.
Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve?
A pinched nerve can manifest with many different symptoms, often depending on its location in the body. They may worsen while the patient is sleeping. Some of the most common symptoms include:
Pain that is aching or sharp
Lower or mid back pain
Neck pain
Shoulder pain
General spinal pain
Pain that radiates down the leg or arm
Numbness or tingling in the legs, arms, fingers, or toes
Burning sensation in the legs, arms, fingers, or toes
Muscle weakness in the legs or back
Headaches
Frequently feeling like a hand or food is �asleep�
When the nerve is not pinched for very long, it typically does not leave the patient with any permanent damage. When the pressure is relieved, normal function returns rather quickly. On the other hand, if the pressure is not relieved, it can cause permanent damage to the nerve, leading to chronic pain.
Causes of a Pinched Nerve?
A pinched nerve can have a number of causes. Wrist or rheumatoid arthritis is a common cause, but others may include:
Injury
Repetitive motion that places stress on parts of the body
Obesity
Sports activities
Certain hobbies that require repetitive motion
Treatments for a Pinched Nerve?
The first line of treatment for a pinched nerve is rest. Medications may be recommended or prescribed, such as NSAIDs and muscle relaxers, but remember every drug has side effects so make sure you talk to your medical doctor before moving forward.
Physical therapy is another common treatment. The patient is taught certain exercises that stretch and strengthen muscles around the pinched nerve so that it relieves pressure. They are also given self-management techniques that they can do at home to get relief. However, if the pinched nerve is do to a misalignment in the spine, it doesn�t matter how many exercises you do; they won�t fix the problem. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended. This is usually a last resort.
Does Chiropractic for a Pinched Nerve Really Work?
Chiropractic care is a very effective treatment for pinched nerve because it addresses the root cause and works toward fixing the problem through spinal manipulation and very specific chiropractic adjustments. By bringing the body into alignment, pressure on the nerves is relieved. This helps relieve the pain but also facilitates healing allowing the patient to return to their normal daily activities and experience less downtime.
El Paso, TX Piriformis Syndrome Chiropractic Treatment
Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Alexander Jimenez breaks down how pinched nerves cause back and neck pain.
You hear people say it a lot:
�I have a pinched nerve, and wow, it hurts.�
But what exactly is a pinched nerve? How does it cause back pain or neck pain? What are the symptoms of a pinched nerve�beyond pain? And most importantly, what can you do about a pinched nerve? Learn the basics of pinched nerves here.
Pinched Nerves: A Common Cause of Back & Neck Pain
What Is A Nerve?
Nerves are your body�s messengers. They transport signals to and from your brain�messages like �Move this toe� or �Ouch, that cactus needle really is sharp.� You have a central nervous system, which is made up of your brain and spinal cord. You also have a peripheral nervous system, which is the system of nerves that branches off the brain and spinal cord.
What Do Nerves Look Like?
If it helps, think of nerves like a garden hose (except they aren�t green). They have an outside membrane that transports those electrical messages. Inside nerves, there�s a fluid that nourishes and replenishes the outer membrane.
You�re Getting on My Nerves
When a nerve gets pinched, the messages and the nourishing fluid don�t flow quite as well as they should (still helpful to think of a garden hose here). A pinched nerve can start sending the �Ow, pain� message to the brain, and it can also have trouble communicating clear messages, possibly leading to weakness, numbness, or tingling.
What Can Pinch a Nerve?
As a nerve exits the spinal canal, it can be pinched by a herniated disc or a bone spur. Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, are bony bumps that can develop on a spinal joint over time. They can push into the spinal nerve, as you can see in this illustration (red = pain generator, of course).
What Does a Pinched Nerve Feel Like?
A pinched nerve mostly feels like pain. If you have a pinched nerve in your low back, it can cause pain to travel (or radiate, in doctor-speak) down your leg. You may also know that as sciatica. A pinched nerve in the neck can create pain that shoots down your arm. Other symptoms of pinched nerves include muscle spasms, burning, tingling, and a hot/cold sensation.
Now the Good Stuff: Pinched Nerve Treatments
Pinched nerve treatments fall into two categories: what you can do at home (self-care) and what your doctor may prescribe for you.
Pinched Nerve Self-care #1: Heat and Ice
Heat and ice can work wonders on a pinched nerve. Switch between 20 minutes of heat and 20 minutes of ice�and remember that you shouldn�t put the heat and ice packs directly on your skin.
Pinched Nerve Self-care #2: Get a Massage
The muscles around a pinched nerve can become tight, so having a professional massage therapist work the painful area can bring pain relief. You may also consider a handheld massager.
Pinched Nerve Self-care #3: Take a Walk
Let�s say it�s your low back�a pinched nerve in your low back�that�s hurting you. A nice, easy stroll is a good way to stay active and address your pain. Gone are the days of extended bed rest for back pain: doctors now are more likely to recommend you exercise and stretch to help relieve your pain.
When Should You Call a Doctor?
If you try the self-care thing and yet your pinched nerve pain persists, you should consider calling the doctor. If you�ve been in pain for more than a couple of days, schedule an appointment. You should also call the doctor if you experience a very sudden onset of weakness, or if you experience profound numbness. Losing bowel and/or bladder control is also a good reason to call the doctor.
How a Doctor Treats a Pinched Nerve
The doctor will try to diagnose the cause of your pinched nerve, and then the doctor will be able to develop a treatment plan. That plan may include prescription pain medications, physical therapy, or cortisone injections. But keep this in mind: the treatment plan will be specifically tailored for you, and it�s in your best interest to follow it closely.
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