Urinary Incontinence and Falls in the Elderly: Unveiling the Connection and Understanding Myelopathy

“Dr. B, I never knew that my urinary incontinence was coming from my neck arthritis.”

Urinary incontinence is a personal challenge that many face. It affects the middle aged and the elderly. I see patients with involuntary bladder leakage in my office almost monthly.Typically, bladder leakage is not the patient’s primary complaint. Rather, bladder dysfunction usually is discovered through screening questions when patients complain of neck and/or back issues. The good news is that bladder leakage is often treatable if it’s coming from the spine, and in many instances, it can be cured.

As we age, our bodies undergo various changes, and some of these changes can impact our physical health and well-being. Two common challenges that elderly individuals face are urinary incontinence and an increased risk of falls. Additionally, there is a need to distinguish between myelopathy, a spinal cord disorder, and the effects of normal aging, as both can manifest with similar symptoms. In this blog, we will explore the link between urinary incontinence and falls in the elderly and shed light on the key differences between myelopathy and normal aging.

Urinary Incontinence and Falls in the Elderly:

Urinary incontinence, the unintentional loss of urine, is prevalent among the elderly and can be a significant contributor to falls. There are several reasons why these two issues often coincide:

1. Muscle Weakness: Aging can lead to weakened pelvic floor muscles, which are responsible for supporting the bladder and controlling urine flow. When these muscles are weak, individuals may experience difficulty in holding their urine, increasing the likelihood of urinary incontinence.

2. Mobility Issues: The natural decline in balance and coordination, as discussed earlier, can also contribute to an increased risk of falls. When coupled with urinary incontinence, elderly individuals may rush to reach a bathroom, leading to hasty movements and potential accidents.

3. Medications: As mentioned in the previous blog, certain medications prescribed for various health conditions can cause side effects like dizziness and impaired coordination, further increasing the risk of both falls and urinary incontinence.

4. Underlying Health Conditions: Chronic health issues, such as diabetes, stroke, or neurological disorders, can affect bladder control and mobility, thereby increasing the likelihood of falls and urinary incontinence.

Myelopathy vs. Normal Aging:

Myelopathy refers to a range of spinal cord disorders characterized by the compression or damage to the spinal cord. The symptoms of myelopathy can often mimic those of normal aging, making it challenging to differentiate between the two. However, understanding the distinctions is crucial for timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Here are some key differences:

1. Symptoms: Myelopathy symptoms may include weakness, numbness, or tingling in the limbs, difficulty with fine motor skills, and changes in bowel or bladder function. In contrast, normal aging may cause mild joint stiffness, reduced muscle strength, and slight balance issues, but not to the extent seen in myelopathy.

2. Progression: Myelopathy symptoms tend to worsen gradually over time if left untreated, whereas the effects of normal aging typically progress at a slower pace.

3. Triggers: Myelopathy symptoms might be triggered or exacerbated by specific movements or positions, while normal aging symptoms are generally not influenced by external factors.

Conclusion:

Urinary incontinence and falls are common issues that affect the elderly, and they are often interconnected. Addressing muscle weakness, promoting regular physical activity, and creating a safe living environment are essential steps in managing both concerns effectively.

When it comes to differentiating between myelopathy and normal aging, recognizing the symptoms and understanding their progression can help healthcare professionals make accurate diagnoses and provide appropriate interventions. Early detection and timely treatment can significantly improve the quality of life for those experiencing spinal cord disorders.

As we continue to advance in medical research and improve our understanding of aging-related challenges, we can strive to provide better care and support for our elderly population. Empowering them with the necessary resources and knowledge can help them age gracefully and maintain their independence for as long as possible.

I hope you have found this information helpful!

Best regards,

Dr. B

Orthopedic Surgeon

Bristol Health

𝗡𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗲 𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗻.