STRUGGLING WITH INCONTINENCE?

Do you often experience leakage of urine from the bladder when a sudden strong need to urinate is felt? Worry not there is a solution….

More and more people are suffering from incontinence.

Incontinence is inability of the body to control the excretion process i.e. urination or defecation.

There are many causes so far according to studies however we wish to address one that is mostly overlooked.

A tight Piriformis can impinge on your Pudendal nerve (which controls the bowel and bladder) leading to the following symptoms:

Symptoms

• Bum pain with prolonged sitting and walking
• Hip and thigh pain
• Pain, numbness, tingling sensation around the groin or genitals
• Difficulty, frequency or urgency to pass urine
• Constipation or painful bowel movement
• Reduced awareness of defecation
• Loss of libido or ejaculation sensation

Causes

The Pudendal nerve is formed from the lowest part of the spine (sacral plexus) where the Piriformis muscle originates, then the nerve descends and passes between two muscles (the Piriformis and Ischiococcygeus muscle) through the greater sciatic foramen. By the virtue of its origin and course, Piriformis spasm or tension can irritate/compress the nerve.

Pudendal nerve controls the bladder and bowel function, therefore it provides voluntary control of fecal and urinary continence. It is also responsible for sexual function (penile and clitoral erection).

Diagnosis

A physiotherapist will perform a series of test to rule out disc bulge, sciatica, sacroiliac joint dysfunction and vertebral canal stenosis.

An MRI should be done to rule out the same.

Treatment

• Myofascial release of the piriformis muscle
• Piriformis and gluteal stretches
• Correcting wrong running and walking mechanics

Prevention

• Regular stretching to maintain the length and elasticity of the piriformis muscle
• Adequate and proper exercise to strengthen the glutes
• Proper running and walking mechanics
• Avoid too much sitting

Spine Health and Sports Injury Clinic

Tel: 0780 406755 | 0728 008832

Admin@spinehealthsportsinjuryclinic.com

www.spinehealthsportsinjuryclinic.com

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