The Effects of Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation on Urinary Incontinence in Patients with Low Back Pain and Radiculopathy: A Retrospective Case Series Report

Abstract

Urinary Incontinence (UI) is a common dysfunction among patients specially women with low back pain and radiculopathy. The pelvic symptomatology that these patients demonstrate may be attributable to lower sacral nerve root compression that is most commonly the result of Lumbar Disc Herniation (LDH). Objective: The effects of chiropractic spinal manipulation on urinary incontinence in patients with low back pain and radiculopathy are the focus of this report. Methods: A total of 119 patients' data (108 female, 11 male, mean ages 59.7 ± 11.6 years) with low back pain and leg pain that all admit to have urinary control problems were reviewed. Lumbar or Lumbosacral Disc Herniation (LDH) with radiculopathy diagnosis was confirmed with complete chiropractic, orthopedic and neurologic evaluation, MRI of the lumbar and lumbosacral regions and electrodiagnostic tests (Electromyogram and Nerve Conduction Studies EMG/NCS) of the lower limbs. Chiropractic manipulative therapy involving high-velocity, low-amplitude manipulation and flexion distraction manipulation was performed. Results: After 1-8 weeks of chiropractic treatment, the overall urinary frequency and incontinence was significantly reduced from 4.2 to 1.3 episodes (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Chiropractic spinal manipulation exerts positive physiological responses in patients with LBP and radiculopathy and UI. Therefore, chiropractic treatment may be considered as a conservative and effective means of treating pelvic disorders secondary to lower sacral nerve root compression.