Back Pain, Strain, Improper Posture and the Connection to Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Some women who suffer from urinary tract infections (UTIs) may actually need to take a look at their backs, instead of their bladder. Those who carry heavy purses or wear high heeled shoes, as well as those who may push themselves a bit too hard during exercise, may be causing themselves lower back strain and muscle pain, including pressure on the nerves, which can actually interfere with proper urination and increase the risk of a urinary tract infection (UTI).

There are many fine nerves in the lower back that can become strained from lifting something very heavy once or something mildly heavy all of the time/daily, when exercising, from altered posture, etc. You can also damage the discs in your lower back, and these damaged discs can compress the nerves that signal the bladder to void, causing disruption to urine flow, thus leading to urinary tract infections (UTIs).

• Don’t over-exert when exercising: Watch your back by practicing proper workout techniques, such as participating in aerobic activities that give you a natural, fluid motion (i.e. walking) and using weight machines (versus free weights). If you have back issues and still want to exercise, do those that create the least pressure on this area, such as swimming.
• Lighten the load: According to Time magazine’s special Style issue, in 2007, the average weight of a woman’s purse was 5.2 lbs! While it might not seem that heavy, think about what it would be like to carry around a five pound dumbbell with you all day. And if a purse fits more than five pounds of stuff, imagine the weight of briefcases, backpacks, tote bags, etc.?! There is a belief amongst the medical community that carrying heavy, oversized bags like this can contribute to the development of “lordosis,” an often painful condition that creates pressure on the nerves in the lower back (it is an increased curvature of the spine). Lordosis can contribute to inefficient urination, a precursor for urinary tract infections (UTIs).
• Skip the stilettos: Okay, so the occasional four-inch heel definitely looks fabulous, but putting yourself at health risk for fashion each day might not be worth it. Yes, unknown to many, your shoes may actually be part of the reason you’re getting urinary tract infections (UTIs). When women don their heels, their torsos tilt forward, thus taking their hips and spine out of alignment. By repeatedly wearing heels that are too high for one’s hip and leg structure, back strain, even “lordosis” can occur, which constricts your ability to urinate, thus leading to increased risk of a urinary tract infection (UTI).

It is important to take the proper preventative measures if you are prone to lower back problems that lead to recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs). If there seems to be no other explanation for your urinary tract infections (UTIs), lower back injury/stress is something to consider, so talk to your physician.