Nocturnal Enuresis: Supporting Your Child's Health and Well-being

Nocturnal enuresis, commonly known as bedwetting, is a condition where children or adults involuntarily urinate while asleep. It’s more common than many might realise, and the impacts of this can be vast throughout the individual and their family. While it can be frustrating and cause embarrassment, it’s important to approach the situation with understanding, support, and compassion.

At Advanced Health Chiropractic, we know when addressing the underlying causes of health concerns like bedwetting, focusing on the body’s innate ability to heal and function optimally is the first step. Chiropractic care, particularly when it comes to nervous system health, is key here for a healthy and well-functioning body.

Understanding Nocturnal Enuresis: The Neurological Components

Nocturnal enuresis often has deep neurological roots. The autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls involuntary functions like bladder control, plays a key role in regulating when and how the bladder empties. If there’s a disruption in nervous system function, especially in the lower lumbar or sacral regions of the spine, it can impair the communication between the brain and the bladder, leading to difficulties with bladder control during sleep.

Stress can exacerbate this disruption, further impacting the nervous system’s ability to maintain balance. Children, in particular, may be more susceptible to the effects of stress, and this imbalance between the sympathetic (“fight or flight”) and parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) branches of the nervous system can make it challenging for them to relax the bladder appropriately. This can result in bedwetting incidents at night.

At Advanced Health Chiropractic, we use Insight CLA scanning technology to assess how well a child’s nervous system is functioning and their ability to adapt to stress. This non-invasive technology allows us to measure areas of stress or imbalance within the nervous system, helping us understand how well the body is communicating with itself. By identifying these imbalances early, we can tailor chiropractic care to support the body’s natural capacity for healing and regulation, including improving bladder control.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractic care at Advanced Health Chiropractic focuses on ensuring that the nervous system functions at its best. When the nervous system is under stress or subluxated, it can impact the body’s ability to regulate normal functions, including the control of the bladder.

By focusing on gentle, non-invasive techniques, chiropractic care can help promote better nerve communication and function. Chiropractic adjustments aim to reduce any interference to the nervous system, allowing the body to work optimally.

For children experiencing nocturnal enuresis, chiropractic care may support:

• Improved Nervous System Function: Adjustments can help optimise the communication between the brain and bladder, improving bladder control.
• Reduced Stress: Chiropractic care may help reduce physical and emotional stress, which can contribute to bedwetting.
• Promoting Restful Sleep: By relieving tension in the body, chiropractic care can help children experience more restful, uninterrupted sleep, making it easier for them to wake up when needed.

What Parents Can Do to Support Their Child

Prioritise Chiropractic Care: If your child’s bedwetting persists, consulting a chiropractor to assess their nervous system function and provide gentle, effective care is paramount.