Lower Back Pain And Frequent Urination In Women: Is There A Link?

While the combination of lower back pain and frequent urination can make you think about a kidney problem there are plenty of other causes to consider. Both of these symptoms can be incredibly frustrating and, depending on their severity, are sure to impact your everyday life.

Some of the conditions which cause lower back pain and frequent urination can be life-threatening so it is important you seek advice immediately from a healthcare professional if you are experiencing low back pain and frequent urination.

In this article, we'll explore the link between lower back pain and frequent urination by looking at the symptoms individually, discussing the common causes, and shedding light on how a diagnosis is determined.

A Closer Look at Lower Back Pain

Did you know that lower back pain is one of the most common reasons which causes people to be too unwell to work? It is far more common than most people realise, with over 80% of adults experiencing lower back pain at some point in their life.

In most cases, the pain lasts anywhere from a few days to several weeks. If your pain lasts longer than three months, it is considered chronic.

The severity of the pain can range from dull aches to shooting pain that travels up your spine. Sometimes it is a combination of both. If you have new onset back pain which is affecting your quality of life you should see your general practitioner as soon as possible.

A Closer Look at Frequent Urination

Frequent urination is when you are peeing more than normal. But what is considered 'normal'? This depends on your age, how much you exercise, how much water you drink, and where you live. However, most experts agree that if you're peeing more than eight times a day, you are probably experiencing frequent urination.

Having to pee more than usual can interrupt your daily activities and even disturb your sleep. It can also be incredibly annoying to be going in and out of the bathroom all day long, so it's important to get to the bottom of what is causing your frequent urination.

Common Symptoms Associated with Back Pain and Frequent Urination

Some of the other symptoms you may experience alongside lower back pain and frequent urination include:

• pelvic pain

• painful urination

• urinary incontinence

• bed wetting

• cloudy or bloody urine

• difficulty emptying your bladder

Potential Causes

The combination of symptoms you're experiencing alongside lower back pain and frequent urination are likely to help determine the cause. Some of the most common causes include:

Spinal cord issues

If you are experiencing lower back pain which shoots into one of your legs (sciatica) and then experience a change in your bladder habits (such as urinary retention, urinary incontinence or increased frequency), this can be a medical emergency. You should attend A&E as soon as possible as you may be experiencing cauda equina syndrome: A major issue caused by the compression of the nerve roots at the base of the spinal cord. You can read more about sciatica here.

Other spinal cord issues that are known to cause lower back pain and frequent urination include:

• Spinal stenosis: When the spinal cord narrows and compresses the nerves responsible for bladder function.

• Neurogenic bladder: Usually caused by spinal cord injuries, resulting in impaired signals between the brain and the bladder.

If you suspect you have any issues with your spinal cord, you should make an effort to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Pregnancy

When you are pregnant, you are carrying a lot of extra weight, which puts an immense amount of pressure on your bladder. This pressure, as well as the increased fluids in your body, can cause you to pee more than usual.

Lower back pain also affects more than half of pregnant women and is considered a normal symptom, often related to weight gain. However, if these symptoms become severe and continue well after you've given birth, you should consider other possible causes.

Urinary tract infection

Urinary tract infections are one of the most common causes of frequent urination and lower back pain. Additional symptoms often include nausea, fever, and vomiting, all of which can be incredibly uncomfortable.

How are UTIs caused? When bacteria makes its way into the urinary tract, it can cause a painful infection. This is why it is important to practise proper hygiene, although some people are simply more susceptible to UTIs than others.

You can determine whether or not you have a UTI by providing your general practitioner with a urine sample. Your GP may need to examine you to determine whether your UTI has developed into a kidney infection.

Kidney problems

Whether it is kidney stones or a kidney infection, kidney problems can be the cause of frequent urination and lower back pain. Kidneys are bean-shaped organs that can be found near your lower back and are responsible for filtering your blood and releasing any waste products into your urine stream.

Whenever there is a problem with your kidneys, it is most likely to show up in the form of lower back pain and urinary issues.

Constipation

Do you have less than three bowel movements a week? Are these bowel movements hard, dry, and uncomfortable? You could be suffering from constipation.

The build-up of stool in your colon might be causing your frequent urination because of the excess pressure on your pelvic organs. The pressure on your rectum can also result in lower back pain.

In most cases, constipation can be easily solved through eating fibrous meals and increasing how much you exercise. If constipation still persists, you may want to look at specialised medications prescribed by your doctor.

Weak pelvic floor muscles

Pelvic floor muscles usually weaken because of ageing, pregnancy, childbirth, or injury. The weakened muscles don't provide enough support to the bladder and lead to a loss of bladder control. In addition to frequent urination, you may also experience urine leaks.

When the pelvic muscles are weak, they don't provide enough support to stabilise the pelvis. This means that the lower back muscles need to work extra hard to compensate, which ultimately can lead to lower back pain.

You can strengthen your pelvic floor muscles through various Kegel exercises. These typically involve contracting and relaxing the muscles while holding different positions.

Ovarian cyst / ovarian cancer

Very rarely, chronic lower back pain and frequent urination can be some of the symptoms of ovarian cancer and ovarian cysts, which are more common in women over 50 years old. Other symptoms include unintentional weight loss, difficulty eating, fatigue, and bloating. You could be at greater risk for ovarian cancer if you have endometriosis or a history of cancer in your family.

Obesity

If you are obese, the extra weight in your abdominal area puts pressure on your pelvic organs, including your bladder. This extra pressure means your bladder cannot hold urine for as long as it may have used to, resulting in more frequent urination.

Carrying around extra weight can also put a strain on your back, resulting in lower back pain. A wide variety of factors may cause your obesity but you could try to lose weight through eating balanced meals and getting enough exercise.

How is Lower Back Pain and Frequent Urination Diagnosed?

The first thing your doctor will do is ask you about your medical history and any medications you're taking.

A physical examination may be needed which can include an intimate examination in some people. You may be asked to provide a urine sample and undergo other tests. Early detection is very important if you want to receive an accurate diagnosis and effective medical attention. This is why you should book an appointment with your doctor when you notice the first symptoms.

FAQs

Can I prevent back pain and frequent urination?

While it may be difficult (and sometimes impossible) to prevent the common causes of frequent urination and lower back pain, there are things you can do to improve your bladder function and overall health, including:

• Regular exercise

• Eat a balanced diet

• Avoid 'trigger' foods like alcohol, caffeine, sugar, etc.

• Do pelvic floor exercises

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Practice proper hygiene

• Maintain proper posture

• Exercise regularly

• Use Ergonomic furniture

• Avoid prolonged sitting

What are some of the other urinary symptoms of bladder dysfunction?

Some other common symptoms associated with bladder problems include:

• A burning sensation when you pee

• Loss of bladder control

• Discomfort in the abdomen

• Cloudy or bloody urine

• Overactive bladder

• A weak stream of urine

How are lower back pain and frequent urination treated?

Recommended treatments will depend on the cause of your symptoms. For example, if a urinary tract infection causes your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics. For more extreme cases, surgery may be the advised treatment option.

Conclusion

Lower back pain paired with frequent urination and other symptoms can be incredibly frustrating and even debilitating. If left untreated, your symptoms can worsen over time and begin to affect all areas of your life.

Here at Jude, we believe in breaking the stigmas surrounding urinary problems by providing practical information through articles just like this one. We've also created an innovative range of incontinence products, including washable incontinence underwear and incontinence pads.

If you are experiencing lower back pain and bladder dysfunction, you can still go about your daily life with confidence. All you need to do is educate yourself, address your symptoms, make use of the right products, and get the help you need from your general practitioner.