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Acupuncture For Overactive Bladder
Millions of American suffer from an overactive bladder or urge incontinence. According to the NAC (National Association for Continence) common treatments address the discomfort and inconvenience associated with the symptoms of an overactive bladder. Medication can be effective, but some patients may suffer from undesirable side effects.
The most commonly prescribed medications for overactive bladder are Antimuscarinics and Tricyclic Antidepressants, which have the ability to mildly paralyze the muscles that control the bladder, and may also relax the internal organs, which in turn reduces the urgency of urination.
Bladder problems are often complex. Both men and women who suffer with bladder problems may find themselves drinking less water. They may be afraid to go out, and when they do go out they search for a bathroom before and after arriving at a new place. They can insecure feelings due to the overactive bladder and urge incontinence problems.
All cases of overactive bladder must be carefully evaluated. Cases related to pregnancy, structural abnormalities, malignant tumors, sexually transmitted diseases, impotence, prostate enlargement, or infection problems must be referred to a specialist for medical care. However, if the patient is accurately diagnosed then acupuncture may be able to help some of the cases, and can even be combined with other conventional treatments so that patients may obtain maximum benefit from such procedures.
A recent study by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland showed that acupuncture improved the frequent and overwhelming urge to urinate associated with overactive bladder. Eighty-five women participated in this study and were randomly assigned to either receive an acupuncture treatment expected to improve their bladder symptoms, or a placebo acupuncture treatment designed to promote relaxation. After four weeks of treatment both groups reported making fewer trip to the bathroom and had fewer symptoms of overactive bladder.
In the past, medical providers were focused solely on the bladder's physical condition. New examinations using functional MRI (which monitors brain activities) obtain information about whether or not there is a psychological connection of overactive bladder and urge incontinence. Acupuncture treatment may be used to treat both the body and mind. Combined with a reasonable diet, exercise, meditation and relaxation techniques acupuncture may be helpful in controlling the symptoms of an overactive bladder.
