Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial Cystitis occurs when the signals sent through the pelvic nerves that tell the brain that the body needs to urinate are being interfered with. This results in variations of frequency in bladder pressure, as well as pain felt in both the bladder and the pelvis.

Interstitial Cystitis is more common in women than it is in men. The causes for the condition aren’t quite known, but factors that may be in play include:

• Genetics
• Infections
• Presence of Chronic Pain Disorders
• Defect in the Bladder

The symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis prominently include the need to urinate frequently, though with little pressure. This could mean, in some cases, 50 trips to the restroom or more per day. Coupled with this is pain – which may include:

• Pelvic pain
• Genital pain
• Pain that is relieved after urinating
• Pain that worsens with the need to urinate

While there may be no outright cure for Interstitial Cystitis, the Center for Spine & Pain Medicine is dedicated to assisting in your pain relief to take back a better quality of life moving forward. Treatments may include stimulation of the sacral nerve, which is the nerve that connects your bladder to your spine. Depending on your unique situation, physical therapy to calm muscle tightness or abnormalities may be effective. Whatever the reason, our skilled staff is ready to help you.