Chiropractic News - June 2009
Are Chiropractic Adjustments the Solution to Bed-Wetting?
Bed-Wetting (nocturnal enuresis) is a common concern for many parents, and it's uncomfortable and inconvenient for both parent and child. While learning any new skill, "mistakes" are normal. But at what point is bed- wetting considered abnormal? Moreover, how can your chiropractor help?
Typically, primary nocturnal enuresis ends at 5 years of age. Secondary enuresis occurs after a child has exhibited proper bladder control. Some in the medical field suggest looking at the pathologic causes of the disorder--a neurogenic bladder, genetic abnormalities, or other congenital issues. Chiropractors, on the other hand, suggest we look at the spine for possible cause.
Control of the bladder comes in the form of the extrinsic sphincter muscle. If we feel the urge to urinate, but decide it is inappropriate at that time, our brain will send nerve signals causing the sphincter to contract, thereby stopping the flow of urine.
Innervation (distribution of nerves to a part) of the bladder and intrinsic sphincter muscles come from two main areas of the spine--the upper lumbar and sacral portions. The nerve supply to the extrinsic sphincter is provided by the pudendal nerve, which also originates from the sacral segments.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Chiropractic focuses on the identification and correction of spinal subluxations. Misaligned vertebrae can interrupt the proper flow of nerve information as it passes through the spinal cord and neighboring nerve roots. Any tissue or organ system can be affected by subluxations, as nerve supply is essential for coordinated organ function.
How many time do we see our children fall on their bottoms when learning to walk, run, jump, and play? It is reasonable to assume that they can develop subluxations in their sacrum and lower back. If these subluxations occur in the area that irritates the nerves supplying the bladder and its associated muscles, chiropractic adjustments may be the answer.
A significant number of parents report a reduction of their child's bed-wetting episodes following chiropractic adjustments, usually with just a few visits.
Dr. Wolff is board -certified in chiropractic pediatrics and is a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association. If your child is experiencing a bed-wetting problem, call our office for an appointment for an evaluation.
Newsletter Archives
Headaches & Chiropractic Care - September 2009 Importance of Water for Your Health - August 2009 Are Chiropractic Adjustments the Solution to Bed-Wetting? - June 2009 Can Chiropractors Help Children with Infantile Colic? - May 2009 Frozen Shoulder Syndrome - Can Chiropractic Help? - April 2009 Can Chiropractic Adjustments Improve Well-Being? - March 2009 Highlights of Chiropractic Research of 2008 & How Chronic Pain Affects the Brain - January 2009 Probiotics - Bacteria for Good Health - November 2008 Chiropractic Care - Preventing Vision Loss, Naturally - September 2008 Do you suffer from chronic low-back pain? - August 2008 Is There a Natural Solution to Headaches? - May 2008 |