Bedwetting, medically known as nocturnal enuresis, refers to the involuntary release of urine during sleep, occurring beyond the age when nighttime bladder control is typically established. While most children achieve full nighttime bladder control by the age of 5, bedwetting can persist as a concern for some kids. If your child continues to experience bedwetting beyond the age of 7, it may indicate the presence of an underlying issue that warrants investigation and care.
What causes bedwetting?
Although the exact cause of bedwetting remains uncertain, several factors that might contribute to the condition include:
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Having a smaller bladder
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Difficulty recognizing a full bladder
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Hormonal imbalances
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Urinary tract infections
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Sleep apnea
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Diabetes
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Chronic constipation
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Structural issues in the urinary tract or nervous system
Risk Factors
Bedwetting can impact individuals of any gender, yet it occurs more frequently in boys than in girls. Several factors linked to a higher risk of bedwetting include stress, anxiety, a family history of the condition, and even the presence of ADHD.
Complications
While bedwetting itself isn’t associated with severe health risks, it can be profoundly frustrating for your child. The emotional toll, including guilt and embarrassment, may lead to diminished self-esteem. Moreover, it can limit your child’s participation in social activities like sleepovers or attending camps. Lastly, bedwetting can result in discomfort or painful rashes, especially if your child sleeps in wet underwear.
How is Bedwetting Treated?
Common bedwetting treatment options encompass strategies like using alarms, medications, lifestyle adjustments, and alternative approaches such as chiropractic care.
The most straightforward and noninvasive method is adopting lifestyle changes. It is advisable to explore the following steps before considering medication or seeking chiropractic care:
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Restrict evening fluid intake.
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Avoid beverages and foods containing caffeine.
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Promote regular restroom visits throughout the day.
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Encourage double voiding before bedtime.
If your child’s bedwetting persists despite these lifestyle modifications, it’s possible that an underlying structural issue is contributing to the problem. In such cases, a chiropractor can diagnose and address this concern.
Chiropractic For Bedwetting
Bedwetting is a condition that chiropractors often address. Numerous studies conducted by healthcare professionals, universities, and research organizations have demonstrated that chiropractic adjustments can effectively resolve bedwetting problems in as few as two to three sessions.
One study published in Today’s Chiropractic in 2001 highlighted two significant cases:
1. Esta, a 4-year-old girl, experienced frequent bedwetting. A chiropractor identified subluxations at her sacrum, ilium, T3, T5, and cervical areas. After just three chiropractic sessions, her bedwetting issue was completely resolved.
2. Aaron, a 5-year-old boy, suffered from foot pain along with nightly bedwetting. Subluxations were detected in his sacrum, ilium, thoracic, and cervical spine. Calcaneal valgus, an inward bending of the ankles, was also observed in both feet. Chiropractic adjustments were administered, alleviating his foot pain and reducing bedwetting frequency. After ten chiropractic sessions, Aaron’s bedwetting was entirely resolved.
Another remarkable study, featured in the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association Newsletter, examined a 6-year-old boy who experienced nightly bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis), ADHD, and toe walking. Medical professionals had recommended surgical procedures to address his posture and walking gait issues.
However, a chiropractor conducted a comprehensive evaluation and identified subluxations at the atlas, occiput, sacrum, and pelvis. After four weeks of chiropractic care, the boy’s heels dropped two inches, and his bedwetting reduced to 2-3 nights per week.
In a study titled “Marko, RB Chiropractic Pediatrics Vol 1 No 1,” two bedwetting cases were discussed:
1. A 5-year-old girl who had been bedwetting for six consecutive months was prescribed antibiotics for a diagnosed bladder infection. Following two chiropractic adjustments, her bedwetting ceased.
2. A 9-year-old boy who wet the bed almost every night underwent six months of chiropractic care. Initially, he remained dry for one or two nights after each adjustment. A modification in his chiropractic care focused on the sacrum, resulting in significant improvement. He currently stays dry for one-half to two-thirds of the nights between adjustments.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
Patients visiting our clinic have reported positive changes in bedwetting symptoms in as little as a single appointment. Since each case is unique, it’s essential for your child to undergo a thorough evaluation to ensure an accurate diagnosis of their condition.
Conclusion
If your child is experiencing bedwetting, we encourage you to contact our office and arrange an appointment. Chiropractic care may offer a solution to their issue.
You can conveniently schedule the appointment through our online booking system or by giving our office a call. We are eager to assist your child at Health Co. Chiropractic.
