Control mechanisms for bladder and bowel functions
Damage to the nerves responsible for bladder and bowel control can occur due to several conditions affecting the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. These conditions include neurological disorders, spinal cord injuries, herniated discs, and chronic back problems.
Spinal Cord Injuries or Diseases
Injury or disorders affecting the spinal cord, which regulates autonomic functions like bladder and bowel control, can disrupt these functions. This disruption can lead to problems such as incontinence or an inability to fully empty the bladder or bowel.
Herniated Discs and Nerve Compression
Conditions like sciatica, where nerves in the lower back are compressed or damaged by herniated discs or injuries, can result in loss of bladder or bowel control in severe cases. Herniated disks are the most common cause of a condition known as Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES), a rare but serious condition that can develop if the cauda equina nerves become compressed.
Neurological Disorders
Neurological disorders can cause coordination problems between the bladder and its sphincter muscles, known as bladder sphincter dyssynergia, resulting in impaired bladder control. Conditions such as diabetic neuropathy can also lead to bladder dysfunction, including overactive bladder, incontinence, and the need to urinate during the night.
Chronic Back Conditions
Persistent back and leg pain linked to nerve damage can progress to bladder and bowel dysfunction.
If you are experiencing bowel or bladder incontinence, it is essential to speak with your doctor, especially if the problem is new or if you also have neurological symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or tingling in the legs. In some cases, conditions such as CES may require emergency surgery to prevent permanent loss of bowel or bladder function.
A 2017 survey of 75 people with CES found that urinary problems were a symptom for 92% of the participants, including mild incontinence and an inability to fully feel the sensation of passing urine. Additionally, almost three-quarters of the respondents also experienced fecal dysfunction.
A person with a neurogenic bladder may experience incontinence, urinary frequency, an inability to empty the bladder, and urinary tract infections. Symptoms of neurogenic bowel include constipation, bowel frequency, and bowel incontinence.
In summary, damage to nerves controlling bladder and bowel function primarily arises from spinal cord injuries or diseases, nerve compression in the lower back (e.g., herniated discs, sciatica), neurological disorders, and chronic back problems affecting the sacral nerve pathways. If you are experiencing any symptoms related to bladder or bowel control, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly.
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