Resolution of Urinary Incontinence in a 75-Year-Old Female Undergoing Chiropractic Care

On June 18, 2021,the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research research journal published the results of a case study documenting positive results of chiropractic care for an elderly woman who was suffering from chronic urinary incontinence (UI). According to the NIH National Institute of Aging, "Urinary incontinence means a person leaks urine by accident. While it may happen to anyone, urinary incontinence is more common in older people, especially women."

This study describes this condition and how common a problem it is by noting, "It is characterized by involuntary urine leakage from the bladder and affects a significant number of adults. An estimated 13 million Americans have urinary incontinence, and women compose about 85% of those affected. UI is reported to cause an estimated $16.3 billion in annual health care expenses."

In this case study, a 75-year-old woman suffering with UI went to a chiropractor to see if she could be helped. Her UI problem began six years ago after she suffered an automobile accident and had a subsequent surgical mesh procedure. The woman reported that she would urinate up to three times per night which prevented her from getting a peaceful night sleep.

A chiropractic examination was performed which included a postural analysis and postural spinal x-rays. It was concluded that subluxations were present and a plan of specific chiropractic care over a series of visits was initiated. At the completion of the initial plan of care, a re-evaluation was performed to access the structural and symptomatic changes.

The results showed that the woman's spine had made significant changes and improvements over her initial examination. More importantly for the woman, she reported a compete resolution of her UI and was now able to sleep through the night without having to awake to urinate.

The Urinary Care Foundation describes the normal function of the urinary system by noting that "The muscles in the lower part of the pelvis hold the bladder in place. Normally, the smooth muscle of the bladder is relaxed. This holds the urine in the bladder. The neck (end) of the bladder is closed. The sphincter muscles are closed around the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine out of the body. When the sphincter muscles keep the urethra closed, urine doesn't leak. Once you are ready to urinate, the brain sends a signal to the bladder. Then the bladder muscles contract. This forces the urine out through the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the body. The sphincters open up when the bladder contracts."

From a chiropractic understanding, the message from the brain that controls this process must arrive at the bladder and sphincter without any interference. If these signals are altered by subluxation the resulting tissues, such as the bladder and sphincter, will not function properly and incontinence could result. Correction of subluxations would allow the system to function properly.

The authors of this study highlight the role of subluxation in patients with UI by stating in their conclusion, "The improvements in this study support the consideration of vertebral subluxations and chiropractic co-management in urinary incontinence."