Lower Back Pain and Frequent Urination: What's the link?

Experiencing lower back pain at the same time as urinary symptoms (including Frequent urination) may be suggestive of an underlying condition or disorder. 

Potential causes include a number of things, from 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 investigating 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.

Although the exact relationship between back pain and bladder problems is unclear, there are certain conditions that increase the risk of experiencing both symptoms. These include: 

• Age – Back pain becomes more common with age as the joints, discs and cartilage start to wear away. The pelvic floor and muscles that control the bladder can also weaken, particularly for women during the menopause, which can cause urine leakage.
• Pregnancy – Many women experience back problems and incontinence during pregnancy, due to the pressure being put on the back muscles and bladder. 
• Childbirth – Women may also experience lower back pain after giving birth, due to the stress put on it during labour. Urine leakage may also continue after giving birth, as labour weakens the pelvic floor muscles.
• Obesity – Carrying extra weight puts pressure on the back and bladder muscles. This can lead to back pain and stress incontinence.
• Prostate problems – Lower back pain can sometimes be a symptom of an infection of the prostate (prostatitis) or prostate cancer. An enlarged prostate  may also block the urethra causing bladder problems, and many men experience incontinence after prostate surgery. 
• Kidney problems – The kidneys are part of the urinary system, and kidney problems can affect bladder function. Pain in the kidneys can often register as lower back pain, due to their positioning. 

Experiencing lower back pain at the same time as having a urinary tract infection (UTI) may be a sign of kidney infection. Ordinarily, UTIs will not develop into kidney infections. Occasionally however, bacteria can travel up from the bladder into the kidneys. As a result, a kidney infection can cause pain in the lower back and groin. 

If treated immediately with antibiotics, a kidney infection will normally go away without causing lasting harm. If, however, a kidney infection goes untreated, it can become serious and in some cases even life threatening.

What part of the spine controls the bladder?

The part of the spinal cord that controls your bladder and sphincter is called the sacral micturition centre and sits at the base of the spine. This area contains nerves which send signals between the brain and bladder. Urinary problems, including  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 , 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. 

Treating the underlying condition can often relieve the accompanying symptoms. If you’re suffering from bladder and lower back pain, incontinence or both, it’s important to seek a professional medical opinion. They will be able to provide you with a formal diagnosis and treatment to help you manage your back pain and urine leakage. 

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, medication can sometimes help with back pain and urinary issues. More serious back problems may be treated with a brace or compression garment. 

In many cases, incontinence can be improved with Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Lifestyle changes such as exercise and avoiding caffeine and alcohol can also help to relieve pressure on the bladder, as well as reducing lower back pain and frequent urination at night. In the meantime, our range of incontinence products can help to protect you from mild to moderate leakage.

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