A bladder spasm is a condition affecting millions of people around the world. Just as many also suffer from kidney stones. Both embarrassing and painful, kidney stones and bladder spasms may have a possible connection to one another.
While there are many different causes of bladder spasms, it may very well be kidney stones that is causing your complaints.
It is within your best interest to get medical attention as soon as possible if you have either bladder spasms or a kidney stone.
Can a Kidney Stone cause Bladder Spasms?
A bladder spasm is the involuntary contracting of the bladder muscle. This oftentimes leads to urinary consistency, among other problems.
A bladder spasm can affect anyone, of any age, including children. Spasms can lead to frequent infections and a host of other problems.
Causes of a bladder spasm are numerous, however, it may very well be a kidney stone that is causing the bladder muscles to contract in such a manner. In many cases, a kidney stone is positioned closely to the bladder, at the urethra.
The stones that are not compounded above the bladder may cause a spasm as they pass through the digestive system. It is also a possibility that you have a kidney stone inside of your bladder.
If you’ve never before experienced a kidney stone you may not realize exactly what is going on. Anyone who has previously sufferer from a kidney stones will never forget the pain.
Kidney stones send thousands of people to hospital emergency rooms every single year –they’re pretty painful and no OTC pain reliever will alleviate the pain.
What is a Kidney Stone?
Kidney stones result after calcium deposits harden inside of the kidneys. Most stones pass through the digestive system on their own.
They pass through the bladder. Sometimes the stone is unable to continue with the process of passing the kidney stone and becomes stuck at the ureter. When this happens, bladder spasms are far more likely to result.
Damage and Bladder Spasms
Bladder spasms themselves are usually not painful but you might find it difficult to make it to the bathroom on time. People with bladder spasms have sudden urges to urinate that may contract without their help, causing the urinary consistency.
It is possible for a kidney stone to cause damage to your bladder if left untreated. It can cause frequent, involuntary muscle spasms for a prolonged period of time.
There may be pain associated with this damage and there is no question that you’ll need to visit your doctor in order to treat these conditions.
Treating Kidney Stones
A kidney stone causes excruciating pain in the kidney, bladder and abdominal area. Your doctor is likely to provide you with a pain medication to ease your discomfort, however you won’t truly be free of the pain until the stone is out of your body.
It is important that you also make lifestyle changes so that you can pass the kidney stone as well as prevent them in the future.
One of the best things that you can do for yourself is to drink water and plenty of it. A recommended 8 glasses, 8-ounces full, of water should be consumed each day.
Not only does this amount of water provide you with the chance to pass a kidney stone, it also aids you in other health aspects of your life. A few other pointers for alleviating kidney stones and preventing them in the future:
- Listen to the advice of your doctor! He may suggest that you avoid dairy products or other items to alleviate kidney stones
- Urination strainers are available and may be of great benefit when you have a kidney stone. Talk to your doctor about using one of these strainers to aid in assign the stone.
Treating Bladder Spasms
Individuals with bladder spasms should seek the advice and treatment of a professional doctor as soon as possible. There are many treatment option to remedy the problem, or at least make it more tolerable.
Your doctor may be able to prescribe a medication to help control the involuntary urination and muscle contractions. In addition, there are many lifestyle changes that you can make that will further reduce your bladder spasms and symptoms thereof.
Here are a few tips for treating bladder spasms at home:
Avoid products containing caffeine, including coffee, cola and tea as these drinks may further irritate the bladder and the lining of the bladder
Visit the doctor quickly to diminish the possibility of a kidney stone. If it is determined you have a kidney stone the doctor will ensure that you get treatment.
Pelvic Floor Exercises: Commonly called Kegel exercises, this is something that you should perform each day. This exercise strengthens the pelvic floor, helping you better hold urine.
Timed Urination: Setting a scheduled time for urination may help alleviate accidents.
Liners and Pads: Liners and pads are available over-the-counter and may be worn to avoid accidents and embarrassment.
Talk to your Doctor
If you are experiencing bladder spasms and intense pain, it very well could be a kidney stone that is causing your problem.
It is in your best interest to make an appointment with your health care professional to get the proper treatment necessary.
Also ensure that you implement the lifestyle changes listed above into your life. It is with full treatment that you’ll gain the best quality of life once again.
Final Thoughts
It may very well be a kidney stone that is causing your bladder spasms. If you are experiencing extreme pain and other symptoms of bladder spasms, it is imperative that you visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis and to start the necessary treatment as quickly as possible.
While both kidney stones and bladder spasms can negatively affect your life, there are also a number of steps that you can take to alleviate them from your life once and for all. Don’t let these conditions interfere with your life!
Resources:
http://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/bladder-spasms?page=5
http://www.medicinenet.com/kidney_stones/page3.htm
