Hidden Links: Spine Conditions and Unusual Symptoms You Might Not Expect
Living with a chronic spine condition has been a constant learning experience. You’d think it would only affect my back, right? Not exactly. Over time, I’ve discovered that spine issues can have a domino effect on parts of the body I’d never have associated with the spine. It’s like my body has its own hidden network of connections that I’m only starting to understand. Here are some of the surprising symptoms I’ve experienced and how I’ve managed them, all while trying to keep up with everyday life and the activities I love.
Symptom 1: Bladder Issues
When I first started experiencing bladder issues, I didn’t connect it to my spine at all. I remember one day in particular last year: I was out Christmas shopping with my friend from work and all of a sudden while in traffic. I needed to pee badly. The feeling was intense, almost like a wave of pressure that was impossible to ignore. I laughed it off as “one of those days,” but it kept happening—unexpected urgency, discomfort, even after using the bathroom.
Another one, which was more recent. I was on the phone, in a meeting for a book I am wanting to publish. I was on my way home from work and for some reason I didn’t go before leaving work but honestly didn’t need to go that bad. Once I was in gridlock traffic the pain was unbearable. I wasn’t able to focus and there was nowhere for me to stop. I managed to get over the bridge about 45 minutes later and I stopped at the closest place possible. But just the pain in my back and the bladder…it hurt about 2 days after.
Remembering from my past, I have always had issues with my bladder. It happened at the most random times though in waves. A lot of the time was when I was feeling the most pain in my spine. It wasn’t until I did some digging that I learned spine issues can affect bladder function. The nerves controlling bladder sensations are linked to the lower spine, so inflammation or irritation there can cause bladder problems.
To manage this, I try to plan schedule around potential flare-ups. I have a select group of friends and family and they know how my body is so they know that the urgency happens out of nowhere. I know where the bathrooms are and when I am going somewhere new, I try and find out right away. I always have a change of extra clothes just in case. I keep things like heat packs and water nearby to calm the nerve-related discomfort. And as frustrating as it can be, learning that this wasn’t “just in my head” helped me find ways to prepare rather than panic.
Symptom 2: Digestive Troubles
Another surprise symptom? Digestive issues. I was going through a stretch of days where my stomach felt heavy and bloated, like I was carrying around an invisible weight. I kept blaming my diet, thinking I must’ve eaten something off. I didn’t realize it could be connected to my spine until a particularly bad episode a few weeks ago. I am not sure what I did, but I was retaining water so much. I was extremely bloated and was even looking pregnant. It took a few days for my body to give in and get rid of the water. But the pain and comfortability I felt during that moment was something I hadn’t felt In a very long time. When I have been researching the spine, I discovered that spine conditions can influence digestion because nerves near the spine also play a role in gut function. Any pinching or inflammation in those nerves can disrupt digestion.
I’ve adjusted my eating habits to better support my gut. I’ve gone mostly gluten free (I can still have Gluten if going out) but it’s not my preferred choice. I have smaller meals, anti-inflammatory foods, and gentle movements help keep flare-ups manageable. Being allergic to caffeine helps because caffeine is apparently bad for flareups. I try and just over drink water or I keep herbal tea on hand to calm my stomach if the pain does crop up unexpectedly.
Symptom 3: Numbness and Tingling in the Hands
This one was especially weird. I’d be typing, holding a book, or even brushing my hair, and suddenly, my hands would go numb, like they weren’t even mine. It’s one thing to feel numbness in your legs when you sit too long, but this was different—it felt deeper, more persistent, and it came with pins and needles. When I was skating my feet and my legs were always numb and for years I was practicing using eye-awareness mostly.
It wasn’t until my chiropractor suggested it could be linked to my spine that I looked into it further. Turns out, the cervical spine, which is in the neck, connects to nerves that run through the arms and hands. Any inflammation or misalignment can cause that numb, tingly sensation.
These days, I take breaks when working to stretch and release tension in my neck and shoulders. It’s not always easy—sometimes the numbness just sneaks up on me—but it’s manageable when I stay aware of how I’m holding my body.
Symptom 4: Fatigue and Sleep Disturbances
One of the hardest things to accept has been the way my spine issues affect my energy levels. There was a time I could bounce out of bed and start my day full of energy, but now? Some days, even getting out of bed feels like I’ve run a marathon. It’s as if my body is constantly fighting an internal battle that leaves me drained, physically and emotionally. Over the summer of 2024 is when I had a true realization something was wrong. I understood exhaustion but I never understood what it meant to be so tired that even taking a shower was like a chore.
I didn’t realize this could be directly connected to my spine until I learned how chronic pain and nerve irritation can disrupt sleep cycles and lead to fatigue. It’s not just the pain itself; it’s the toll it takes on the whole system.
I’ve had to get serious about prioritizing rest. This means saying no to things when I need to, creating a calming nighttime routine, and not feeling guilty when I need extra sleep. I make my schedules to ensure I have breaks throughout the day which can either be used for sleep or just to be alone. I try and have one full day off a week and to keep the same sleep schedule. Sleep is no longer a “nice to have”; it’s a necessity for my body to keep up with the demands of chronic pain and to cope with the fatigue that can creep in unannounced.
Symptom 5: Jaw and Facial Pain
This one was unexpected. Out of nowhere, I’d get this tightness or aching in my jaw and even my temples, almost like a sinus headache. At first, I thought it was stress or even teeth grinding, but it would appear even on calm days. My physical therapist explained that the nerves in the upper cervical spine (near the base of the skull) connect with those controlling facial muscles. If those nerves get inflamed or compressed, it can cause pain around the jaw and face. Two weeks ago I was at the Chiropractor and I was in the absolute worst pain. It was like a migraine and honestly I have no idea how I was able to drive myself there. I sat in the waiting room and I had my hood over my eyes and I could barely see straight. I was in pain. Once my adjustment happened the pain started to diminish. This was when I knew that the adjustment of the body was crucial to how one could feel.
To manage this, I’ve incorporated gentle neck stretches and work on relaxing my jaw whenever I feel tension building. It’s subtle, but these little adjustments help relieve that lingering discomfort and make it a bit easier to go about my day. I also work well with therapists and the chiropractor.
Final Thoughts
Navigating a chronic spine condition has made me realize that our bodies are incredibly interconnected. Symptoms that seem isolated or random are often signals that something else might be going on, even if it’s hard to connect the dots. From bladder issues to fatigue, these surprising symptoms have taught me to pay closer attention, even when it’s inconvenient.
If you’re experiencing unusual symptoms and suspect they might be tied to something else going on in your body, trust yourself. It might take time to figure out, but advocating for yourself and connecting with others who understand can make a huge difference. This journey isn’t easy, but every new connection I uncover helps me live with a little more awareness and compassion for what my body is going through.
Let’s keep breaking the silence on these hidden connections—because no one should have to go through this alone.
Deidre Matthews 