Bladder Pain

From what you tell me I don’t think your bladder is the real problem. A lot of people stuffer from the same type of burning pain in the lower abdomen, just above bladder area. Like you, they feel they have to void the bladder urgently, but have no burning sensation in the urethra which passing urine, which would suggest cystitis or a urinary tract infection.

I have successfully treated patients with similar problems and, although it may sound cranky to some healthcare professionals, since this approach works, it suggests that my diagnosis is correct. The problem is brought about by the muscles of the abdomen. The main work of all your muscles is to facilitate movement. When they contract they cause two bones to move. But muscles are full of blood and too soft to connect directly with bones with out tearing. So all muscles end up in tough fibrous tendons, which are attached to the bones.

The main abdominal muscle (the rectus abdominus) is attached at the top to the angle of the ribcage and the breast bone (sternum). At the bottom its tendons connect with the pubic bone. The rectus abdominus is a powerful sheet of muscle and its tendons are tough. lf you put a strain on it – by lifting or carrying heavy weights, doing sit-ups, pilates, horse-riding, bicycling playing squash or tennis, or even falling – you exert pressure on those bottom tendons. Sometimes, exercises such as sit-ups and squash can cause repetitive strain injury in these tendons.

Once injured, tendons are slow to heal because they have such a poor blood supply – that’s why they’re white in colour- Typically, inflamed tendons cause a burning pain. In the case of the abdominal muscles, strain on the tendons near the pubic bone tends to cause a nagging burning pain. This is what gives you the – incorrect – notion that it’s coming from the bladder because it’s in the same area.
The reason you feel you have to go to the lavatory even when your bladder is not full is because the pain triggers a reflex response. The irritation in your groin stimulates the bladder and that contract making you want to pass water. Since the pain is constant, there is a frequent urge to urinate, making doctors and patients alike believe the cause is cystitis. Even though the tests come back negative, doctors often prescribe antibiotics on a trial basis, as in your case. lf nothing works, stress is blamed and sometimes patients are given antidepressants- without success.

Here is what I suggest:

Diet
• Avoid citrus or acidic fruits (such as oranges, grapefruit, lemons, pineapple, tomato juice and mangoes), because they delay the healing of the tendons.
• Avoid coffee, white wine, beer, yeast products and excess salt, as they irritate the bladder.
• Drink a glass of fresh juice made from organic carrots and celery three times a week to improve the flow of urine.

Supplements

• Drink two to three mugs of Gokhru, an Ayurvedic supplement daily to improve the flow of urine at proper intervals.
• Take one Haldi tablet twice daily for two months to reduce inflammation of tendons.

Massage and yoga

• With four fingers of one hand, locate the tender spots above the pubic bone at the bottom of the abdomen. Massage this sore area with Biotique Joint Oil, or white Tiger Balm.Do this for five minutes every night for 15 days. With time it will get better.
• Practise therapeutic yoga; the cobra, swing and bow postures in particular will stretch the abdominal muscles. These are described in my book Theropeutic Yoga co-written with Jiwan Brar.