How Pelvic Floor Clenching Worsens Interstitial Cystitis

Video transcribed below.

Pelvic floor clenching (also known as a hypertonic pelvic floor), where the muscles at the base of the pelvis are tightly contracted, can worsen Interstitial Cystitis (IC) symptoms. IC is a chronic condition causing bladder pressure, pain, and sometimes pelvic pain. Pelvic floor dysfunction, including clenching, can exacerbate these symptoms and impact bladder function.

How Pelvic Floor Clenching Affects IC:

Increased Pressure on the Bladder: Tight pelvic floor muscles can put pressure on the bladder, leading to increased urgency and frequency, as well as pain.
Muscle Spasm and Pain: Pelvic floor clenching can lead to muscle spasms, which can contribute to pelvic pain, a common symptom of IC.
Reduced Blood Flow: Tightness in the pelvic floor muscles can restrict blood flow, potentially worsening inflammation and pain in the pelvic region.
Visceral-Muscular Reflex: The pelvic floor muscles are closely linked to the bladder and other pelvic organs. Irritation or dysfunction in one area can affect the others, leading to a vicious cycle of pain and muscle tension.

Here are a couple of tips on how to get started with relaxing the tension in your pelvic floor muscles:

Breathing plays a crucial role in relaxing the pelvic floor muscles. Relaxing and lengthening with every inhale and returning to normal resting state with every exhale should be ensured.
Taking frequent breaks from prolonged sitting and moving around helps to improve circulation through the muscles and hence reduces the tension.

Pelvic Floor Clenching

Definition and Overview:
Pelvic floor clenching refers to the involuntary or habitual contraction of the pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor consists of a group of muscles and connective tissues that support pelvic organs, including the bladder, rectum, and uterus in women. Proper function of these muscles is crucial for urinary, bowel, and sexual health.

Causes:

Stress and Anxiety: Emotional factors can lead to muscle tension throughout the body, including the pelvic area.
Habitual Behavior: Some individuals may unconsciously clench their pelvic muscles, particularly during stressful situations.
Injury or Trauma: Pelvic trauma or surgeries can lead to compensatory muscle tightening.
Poor Posture: Misalignment of the body can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction.

Symptoms

Pelvic discomfort or pain
Urinary urgency or frequency
Pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
Difficulty relaxing the pelvic floor muscles

Management and Treatment:

Physical Therapy: Pelvic floor physical therapy focuses on relaxation techniques and strengthening exercises tailored to the individual’s needs.
Biofeedback: This technique helps individuals become more aware of their muscle contractions and learn to control them.
Stress Management: Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and yoga can reduce overall tension.
Medications: In some cases, muscle relaxants or other medications may be prescribed depending on the severity of symptoms.

Interstitial Cystitis (IC)

Definition and Overview:
Interstitial cystitis, also known as painful bladder syndrome (PBS), is a chronic condition characterized by bladder pain, urinary urgency, and frequency without an identifiable infection. The exact cause of IC is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve a defect in the bladder lining, inflammation, and possibly autoimmune components.

Symptoms:

Chronic pelvic pain, particularly during bladder filling
Urinary urgency (having a strong need to urinate)
Increased urinary frequency (often more than 8 times during the day and/or often waking at night to urinate)
Discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse
Pain relief after urination (this can vary)

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis of IC is primarily clinical, based on symptoms and ruling out other conditions such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) or bladder cancer. Procedures such as cystoscopy (using a camera to examine the inside of the bladder) and tests for bladder capacity may be conducted.

Management and Treatment

Lifestyle Modifications: Dietary changes can be crucial, as certain foods and drinks (like caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods) may exacerbate symptoms.
Medication: Various medications can help manage symptoms, including antihistamines, pain relievers, and antidepressants. Some may use bladder instillations which involve introducing medication directly into the bladder.
Physical Therapy: Pelvic floor therapy is often beneficial, especially if pelvic floor dysfunction is present.
Neuromodulation: Techniques such as sacral nerve stimulation aim to alleviate symptoms by modifying nerve signals to the bladder.
Alternative Therapies: Some patients find relief through acupuncture, herbal remedies, or mindfulness techniques

Relationship Between the Two

There’s often a relationship between pelvic floor dysfunction and Interstitial Cystitis. Patients with IC frequently exhibit pelvic floor muscle tension. Conversely, pelvic floor clenching may worsen symptoms of interstitial cystitis, creating a cycle of pain and discomfort. Addressing the pelvic floor muscle function can be an important aspect of the comprehensive management of IC.

Conclusion

Both pelvic floor clenching and interstitial cystitis can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. A thorough assessment by a healthcare professional specializing in pelvic health is crucial for effective diagnosis and tailored treatment strategies.