Question
First I'd like to offer a little background to put my situation into perspective.  Twelve years ago, I suffered a significant brain trauma and a C-1 fracture as the result of a construction accident.  The degree to which I have recovered (& continue to recover) has been beyond most expectations, but I have many lingering difficulties; one of which is a neurogenic bladder.  I got used to the process of catheterization, however my urologist suggested that a proceedure called a "TURP" might open the urethra's path enough to allow for proper urine flow (I have some ability to void, but I always have un-desirably large residual levels).  Well, unfortunately it didn't work, so I went back to catheterization.  In 2002, I suffered damage to my L5-S1 (bad enough to effect my ability to feel my left foot, which remained essentially numb until a laminectomy/discectomy in 2003).  Here's my dilemma... a few months after the surgery, I began to feel intense pain in what I can only describe as my "prostrate area".  Because I catheterize, at first I thought I had a particulary bad UTI, but the test proved negative.  I was alarmed, so I requested and underwent every exam I could (CT scan, ultrasound, etc.) thinking I might have prostrate cancer or something, but all appeared well according to the urologist.  

The lower back injury showed me without a doubt that a pinched nerve in the spine can manifest itself in the form of intense pain in another part of the body and I'm wondering whether that could be the case here.  I've head that (among other things) the conditions normally referred to as "prostatitis" can occasionally be brought on as a result of a back injury.

I'm going on more than 4 1/2 years in this condition & while I have come to a "place" where I have learned to "live with it", not a day goes by that I wish it wasn't there (plus... it can make sitting rather uncomfortable at tomes & has a really negative effect on my libido).

Can you see any possible connection between my back injury and my prostate pain?  Thank you for your attention.

Answer
Hi, Brian.

Lower back injuries usually mean lower back muscle contractions.  

With a head trauma, the entire spinal musculature goes into contraction in a cringing response.  That would account for your low back episode, although other injuries might have contributed.

In any case, if you were my client, I would be examining you for contractions along the length of your spine, through your neck.  If found (likely), I would guide you through a training process in which you relax them and recover free control of them.

I would expect your symptoms to abate, upon relaxation.

As to urinary constriction, that action may be the result of reflexive muscular contractions that can be freed by this kind of training, as well.

For more information, visit somatics.com.

with regard,
Lawrence Gold

with regard,
Lawrence Gold