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Urinary Incontinence Due to Sacroiliitis

Each person has two sacroiliac joints. Inflammation of either or both sacroiliac joints (sacroiliitis) may stem from infections, pregnancy, degenerative spinal disc disease or injury. If left untreated, chronic nerve compression from sacroiliitis can cause urinary incontinence.

  1. The Facts

    • The sacroiliac joints connect the spine to the pelvis. Nerves from the legs and pelvic organs pass through the area to the spinal cord.

    Symptoms

    • Sacroiliitis produces low back pain or pain around your sacroiliac joints and stiffness. Pain radiating down one or both legs (radiculopathy) and limping point to chronic nerve compression disrupting signals between the legs, pelvis and brain.

    Diagnosis

    • The doctor may press on the sacroiliac area while moving your legs to check for localized pain. He may order X-rays and have your blood and fluids from your sacroiliac joints checked for infections.

    Treatment

    • According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, chronic urinary incontinence management includes adjusting fluid intake and improving access to toilets with scheduled toilet breaks. Doctors may prescribe anti-diuretic hormones to slow urine production.

    Warning

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, misdiagnoses as sciatica, strained muscles and herniated discs delays appropriate treatment. The chances of developing urinary incontinence increase with long-standing nerve compression.

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