You've probably heard of chiropractors, but you may associate them with adults who have back problems or spinal issues. But recent studies have shown that chiropractic, the fastest-growing and second-largest primary health care profession in the United States, according to the International Chiropractic Association, could help some children manage bedwetting, also known as nighttime wetting.
In fact, results from a study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (Elsevier Inc., 2005) found that one quarter of the 171 children in the study treated with chiropractic had a 50% reduction of wet nights.
Amy decided to take her 9-year-old son to a chiropractor after trying a multitude of coping methods. "We've only had a handful of dry nights in his life," she says. "We've tried various things, including biofeedback at a urologist, which helped a bit. One night out with the girls, someone mentioned going to a chiropractor. After my son's third chiropractic visit, he had a dry night."
Just like Amy, many parents are opting for an alternative, noninvasive and drug-free approach to managing nighttime wetting.
How Chiropractic Treatment Can Help Bedwetting
Dr. Matousek says, "Since your nerves affect every cell of your body, they influence organs such as the bladder. When a chiropractor restores normal motion in the spine, the nerves are able to function properly. Taking the stress away from the nerves allows the organs to function optimally."
Should Your Child Visit a Chiropractor For Bedwetting?
One quarter of the 171 children in the study treated with chiropractic had a 50% reduction of wet nights.
Amy says, "My son went to the chiropractor two to three times a week for about two and a half months. After his third visit, he had a dry night, and a few other nights sporadically after that … we were told that one of his nerves from his bladder was being blocked and that adjustments would help. I believe they did."
What to Expect After Chiropractic Treatment For Bedwetting
However, after going to the chiropractor for two and a half months, Amy decided to stop the treatments after her son was not totally dry. "We, of course, were very hopeful that the chiropractor would have a permanent fix," she says, though she strongly believes the treatments did help lessen the frequency of the nighttime wetting.
Although nighttime wetting can be stressful for kids and parents alike, Amy says that treatments such as pediatric chiropractic can provide hope. "I just want to make others aware of this option to help their children," she says. "My son was usually soaked by morning. He still is usually damp, but nowhere near how it used to be."
