There can be several reasons that leaking, or urinary incontinence, can occur. The most common reason is muscle weakness. This includes muscle weakness of the pelvic floor muscles that form the bottom of the pelvis and help to support the bladder and other organs. But just as importantly, it can be weakness of the abdominal, or core, muscles and poor coordination of the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles with activity.
Imagine the area from your pelvic floor to your diaphragm is a pop can: the tops, sides, and bottom all maintain a constant pressure until you pop the top and have a swig. Now imagine that your pop can has a hole in it–all of a sudden you have pop all over the place! Ideally, your core – the pop can – has a solid pelvic floor, abdominal wall, and diaphragm. However, if you have had a baby, abdominal surgery, prostate surgery, a hysterectomy, carry your weight in the tummy, or are a smoker, all of a sudden you may have a hole in your pop can. All of a sudden, you may pee your pants when you have a good laugh!
To learn more about how Functional Concepts can help with urinary incontinence here.
To schedule an appointment with Jenn in the Atchison office, call Cassi in North Kansas City at 816-895-9126.