Using a Multifaceted Approach to Address Pain Associated with Interstitial Cystitis
Picture this- you are on a road trip and you notice your bladder is full. You still have an hour to go and there isn’t a bathroom in sight. The discomfort you might feel in that moment may feel really debilitating, and you may have a really hard time focusing on anything but your bladder. Now imagine that same full bladder feeling is coupled with intense bladder or pelvic pain that doesn’t resolve despite frequent voiding. This scenario is an example of sensations commonly felt by many with interstitial cystitis (IC) or painful bladder syndrome; a condition in which the bladder lining is inflamed leading to chronic pelvic pain, urinary frequency, nighttime voiding, and/or urinary urgency. At the time of this writing, there is no known cause or cure of this disorder. However, there is speculation that IC is commonly correlated to autoimmune disorders, abnormalities in mast cells, past trauma or chronic stress, from previous infection, or from inflammation.
Related Article: Understanding The Pelvic Floor
Treatment approaches for IC can vary depending on the individual and severity of symptoms following treatment can vary from person to person. Currently, known holistic treatment methods include modifying bladder habits to reduce urinary frequency and urgency through bladder retraining. Research suggests that electo-stimulation to the pelvic floor can help to reduce pain, urinary frequency and urgency associated with IC. Dietary changes to focus on eliminating inflammatory foods including citrus, potatoes, eggplant, red and green peppers, tomatoes, hot peppers, gluten, and processed meats have been known to reduce symptoms as well.
Chronic stress often results in held tension in the body which can refer to a group of muscles within the pelvis called the pelvic floor. While incorporating stress management strategies like meditation and exercise can be helpful in reducing stress, individuals with IC often require these techniques in conjunction with pelvic floor rehabilitation. When an individual experiences stress or trauma, the muscles within the pelvic floor tense up as a protective mechanism. Tension within the pelvic floor can compress the bladder which then increases the symptoms commonly associated with IC. Most people aren’t aware that their pelvic floor muscles are tense and would benefit from seeing a pelvic floor therapist for treatment.
If you’re experiencing IC symptoms know that support is available to you. Consider reading “The Better Bladder Book a Holistic Approach to Healing Interstitial Cystitis & Chronic Pelvic Pain” by Wendy Cohan, RN and get yourself an appointment at Vibrancy to start your healing journey!
Article written by: Michelle Amir-Brownstein, OTD, OTR/L
Citations
Clinical guidelines for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (2020)
The longterm effect of electrostimulation of the pelvic floor on painful bladder syndrome/interstisial cystitis patients
The Better Bladder Book by Wendy Cohan, RN