How to Control Bladder Spasms

Bladder spasms are sudden, involuntary squeezing of the muscle. The spasm occurs without warning and results in an urgency to release urine. Leakage may occur when the spasm forces urine from the bladder and is referred to as urge incontinence or overactive bladder. The feeling is often described as similar to cramping pain or in some cases even a burning sensation. There are many causes of bladder spasm from pregnancy to diet to neurological disorders. The treatments to control the spasms take into consideration the causes of the them and may also incorporate more than one treatment.

Things You'll Need

• Examination by doctor

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Instructions

How to Control Bladder Spasms

• 1

  Make dietary changes. If the bladder spasms are dietary in nature, adjusting the diet should control future spasms. In the event that there is a non-dietary underlying cause, changing the diet can still be a benefit as the certain foods exacerbate the symptoms. Foods to avoid are spicy, acidic, and foods high in citrus. Also avoid caffeine and alcohol.

• 2

  Implement timed voiding. Every 90 minutes to 2 hours make a trip to the bathroom to void the bladder even if there is no urgency. This will preemptively avoid spasm. This is especially useful with children who suffer bladder spasms, but is important for adults as well. As leakage and accidents decrease, increase the time between timed breaks in an effort keep the spasm under control.

• 3

  Strengthen the bladder using the Kegel method of pelvic exercises. By strengthening the muscles that go into spasm, the frequency of spasms will decrease over time. Kegel exercises are basically performed by repeatedly squeezing the muscles of the bladder as though attempting to stop urine flow.

• 4

  Consider medication if your physician recommends it. Anticholinergics are prescribed to relax the bladder, preventing spasms. Other medications that are commonly prescribed are antidepressants to relax the bladder, and alpha blockers for children so that they can completely void the bladder. Pain medications and sedatives are prescribed when the spasms are related to catheter use during and after surgery. Botox has also been used as a treatment when the spasms are due to nerve issues. The botox prevents the nerves from releasing the chemicals that initiate muscle movement, which decreases spasms.

• 5

  If the spasms are severe, treatments are failing, and incontinence increases, your physician may suggest an electrical stimulation implant. This device stimulates the bladder at specifically timed intervals in an attempt to decrease spasms and aid in voiding.