Bedwetting In Children: How Chiropractic Care Helps Their Nervous System Communicate Better
Bedwetting (also known as nocturnal enuresis) is far more common than most parents realize and it can be frustrating for both kids and families. Many children who are fully potty-trained during the day still struggle to stay dry at night, leading to embarrassment or stress that can carry into school age.
While most parents assume it’s purely a bladder problem, bedwetting is often connected to how the nervous system is communicating between the bladder and the brain. This is where chiropractic care can play an important role.
Why Bedwetting Happens
To understand how chiropractic care helps, it’s important to first look at what’s going on in the body. Bedwetting can occur when the brain and bladder aren’t fully in sync during sleep. Common contributing factors include:
Immature nervous system signals between the bladder and the brain.
Deep sleep patterns the child simply doesn’t register the bladder’s “full” signal.
Spinal misalignments or tension affecting the nerves that control bladder function.
Stress or emotional changes that interfere with nighttime regulation.
In most cases, the bladder itself works just fine it’s the communication loop that’s delayed or disrupted.
The Role Of The Nervous System
The nervous system controls every function in the body, including the bladder. Nerves in the lower spine (especially in the lumbar and sacral regions) are responsible for sending signals from the bladder to the brain that say, “It’s time to go.”
If there’s irritation, imbalance, or misalignment in this area, those signals may not be transmitted properly. This can make it harder for a child to recognize the need to urinate while sleeping resulting in accidents that feel completely out of their control.
How Chiropractic Care Helps
Chiropractic care focuses on improving nervous system communication by correcting spinal misalignments and easing tension along the spine. For children struggling with bedwetting, adjustments can:
Reduce nerve interference in the lower spine (lumbar/sacral region).
Promote better brain-to-bladder communication.
Support deeper, more balanced sleep cycles.
Enhance confidence and independence as nighttime control improves.
Gentle, pediatric-specific adjustments help restore function and coordination without medication or invasive treatment.
Many parents report positive changes such as:
Fewer nighttime accidents.
Improved sleep quality.
Greater self-confidence for their child.
What The Research Shows
While more studies are needed, published case reports and reviews have noted improvements in bedwetting following chiropractic care.
A case series in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics documented children experiencing decreased bedwetting frequency after chiropractic adjustments to the lumbar and sacral spine.
Research suggests that correcting subluxations in these regions may improve the autonomic nervous system’s regulation of bladder control.
These findings, combined with the clinical experience of chiropractors worldwide, make chiropractic a safe and promising option for families looking for natural support.
Tips For Parents
Alongside chiropractic care, you can support your child’s progress with simple habits:
Limit fluids 1–2 hours before bedtime.
Encourage bathroom visits right before sleep.
Create a calm, consistent bedtime routine.
Celebrate small wins avoid blame or shame.
Keep a dry-night calendar to track progress.
Conclusion
Bedwetting can be stressful, but it’s rarely a “discipline” issue — it’s a communication issue within the body. By supporting the spine and nervous system, chiropractic care helps that communication line between the brain and bladder work the way it’s supposed to.
With time, patience, and gentle adjustments, many kids (and parents) find renewed confidence and restful nights.
📞 Call Third Coast Chiropractic at 231-354-2600 to schedule your child’s next visit and learn how we can support their growth — inside and out.