When does incontinence occur? | Incontinence after a slipped disc

When does incontinence occur?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to say exactly when or with whom incontinence can occur. Not every slipped disc of the lumbar spine is the same. Depending on where the protruding intervertebral disc of the spine is pressing, completely different areas of action or perception are affected.

Duration of incontinence

It is just as difficult to say how long incontinence lasts as it is to say who is affected. On the one hand, it depends on whether the damage is reversible and on the other hand, which therapy of the herniated disc is applied. If the nerve pathways controlling bladder function are irreversibly damaged, the person affected will have to live with this problem for the rest of his life – at least according to the current state of medical knowledge.

If the nerve tract is not irreversibly damaged, stiffening of the vertebrae can either manifest the problem or, if necessary, remedy it. Unfortunately, it is not possible to make a general statement in this regard either. The next topic could also be interesting for you: Slipped disc of L3/L4

What can be done about incontinence?

Unfortunately, incontinence itself cannot be treated promptly with medication or similar. As a rule, one has to deal with the prevention of too great “misfortunes”. Wearing diaper pants or putting on sanitary towels are the most common methods of preventing uncontrolled urine leakage, which in the worst case could be caused by the trousers.

In the further course of the disease, surgery for the herniated disc can improve the problem. However, this is not the same in every case, but varies greatly from one individual to another. Depending on the extent and duration of the damage to the corresponding nerves.

Last but not least, simply waiting after the operation can also bring an improvement. If the damage to the nerves was not too severe, there is a certain regeneration potential, which can ensure that the nerve fibers can largely resume their old functions.