Urinary incontinence due to lumbar spinal stenosis causing disability and lowering quality of life.

OBJECTIVES

Lumbar spinal stenosis may lead to urinary inconsistence and can have a negative impact on the quality of life. The aim of the study was to assess the incidence of urinary incontinence and quality of life in female patients with spinal canal stenosis comparing to control group.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 50 women diagnosed with severe lumbar spinal canal stenosis. Their mean age was 55.32 ± 12.97 years. The clinical control group consisted of 30 women who did not suffer from any spine disorders. Their mean age was 54.87 ± 12.01 years. There was no difference between both groups regarding age, weight, BMI and number of parity. The women diagnosed with clinical and radiographic symptoms of spinal canal stenosis filled out an anonymous questionnaire, ODI, ICIQ-UI-SF, and ICIQ-LUTSqol questionnaires.

RESULTS

We found urinary incontinence in 56% of women with lumbar spinal canal stenosis and in 43% of clinical control group. We also found a statistically significant correlation between duration of lumbar stenotic symptoms, the SLR sign, number of deliveries and the intensity of urinary incontinence.

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary incontinence in women with lumbar spinal canal stenosis is significantly different from the control group. Leakage of urine happened more frequently, the amount of urine leaked was greater, and the general impact on everyday life is harsher, as compared to the clinical control group.