How To Treat Cystitis with Back Pain?

Cystitis is a common urinary tract infection, usually caused by a bacterial infection, which manifests in pain during urination, urinary urgency, and frequent urination. Although cystitis primarily affects the bladder and urethra, some patients may experience back pain, especially dull or sharp pain in the lower back. 

This back pain can be one of the complications of cystitis, and many people may not realize that cystitis can also trigger back pain. Therefore, it is important to understand how cystitis can lead to back pain and take effective treatment.

Why does cystitis cause back pain?

1. Radicular pain due to bladder infection

The bladder is located in the lower abdomen, near the pelvis and spine. When inflammation occurs in the bladder, it may extend to the surrounding tissues, including the urethra, ureters, and kidneys. Especially when cystitis is not treated promptly, the infection may travel up the urethra and cause pyelonephritis, which can further cause back pain. The kidneys are located on either side of the back, and any infection involving the kidneys can lead to severe pain in the lower back. Therefore, cystitis progressing through the infection in the kidneys may cause pain in the back, especially in the lower back.

2. Pain in the pelvic region due to increased bladder pressure

When the bladder is filled with urine, it exerts pressure on the surrounding organs. When inflammation occurs in the bladder, the muscles and walls of the bladder become more tense and urination becomes difficult, resulting in increased bladder pressure. This pressure not only causes pain in the bladder area but also affects nearby nerves, which may lead to pain in the lower back. Especially in the acute stage of cystitis, patients may feel dull or paroxysmal pain in the lower abdomen and back.

3. Spread of inflammation

Cystitis is usually accompanied by inflammation of the urethra and bladder lining. Because the bladder is connected to other abdominal organs by nerves, inflammation from cystitis may spread to other areas, including the lower back. Nerve signals may travel from the bladder to the spine and back, causing radiating pain. Sometimes, especially in patients with chronic cystitis, back pain coexists with the symptoms of cystitis and becomes a long-term nuisance.

4. Reflex muscle tension

Cystitis usually causes the patient to change their posture or walk to relieve the pain unconsciously. This reaction may lead to tension in the back muscles, especially in the lower back. In this case, the pain caused by cystitis may act as a reflex, causing the muscles in the back to become chronically tense, resulting in back pain.

How to treat back pain due to cystitis?

Treating back pain caused by cystitis first requires effective treatment of the cystitis itself, which in turn relieves back pain caused by cystitis. Here are a few common treatment options:

1. Antibiotics for cystitis

Cystitis is usually caused by bacteria. Therefore, the most common treatment is the use of antibiotics to clear the infection. Your doctor will choose the appropriate antibiotic for treatment based on the types and resistance of the pathogenic bacteria. Common antibiotics include fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins, and sulfonamides. 

When treating cystitis, patients need to take the medication on time and follow the doctor's instructions to ensure that the bacteria are completely removed, preventing the infection from spreading to the kidneys and other parts of the body and avoiding secondary pain in the back. In case of ineffective antibiotic treatment, traditional Chinese medicine Diuretic and Anti-inflammatory Pill can effectively relieve the symptoms of cystitis by clearing heat and removing toxins, promoting diuresis and reducing swelling, so as to promote urination and reduce inflammatory reaction.

2. Physiotherapy and hot compress

Physiotherapy is an effective way to relieve back pain. Hot compresses, massage and physiotherapy can help relax the back muscles and relieve muscle tension caused by cystitis. Warm compresses or hot water bags on the back can effectively relax the muscles, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain. In addition, moderate massage and stretching can also help soothe back tension and reduce pain.

3. Improve lifestyle habits

Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits can help reduce the occurrence of cystitis and thus prevent back pain. Patients should avoid holding urine for a long time and maintain good urination habits. Increasing exercise improves immunity and enhances the body's resistance to bacterial infections. Besides, do not wear tight clothes and airtight pants to maintain the hygiene of the urethra, which can help prevent the recurrence of urinary tract infections and cystitis.

Conclusion

Although cystitis primarily affects the bladder and urethra, the back pain it can cause is a symptom that many patients often overlook. When cystitis symptoms appear, seeking prompt medical attention and treatment can help prevent the condition from worsening, which in turn can avoid more severe back pain or other complications and maintain overall good health.

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