Quick Ways to Soothe Bladder Pain

Urinary pain, whether caused by interstitial cystitis, an infection, or something else, can be unbearable at times. Sometimes, we need a quick way to soothe an irritated bladder. 

Try one or more of these ideas to quickly soothe bladder pain. 

1. Relax with deep breathing

When we are in pain, our first response is often to tense up, whether we realize it or not. When the pelvic muscles get tense during a flare up, it can worsen the pain, causing a vicious cycle of pain. To quickly soothe bladder pain, spend some time doing deep breathing and consciously relaxing the muscles. Breathe slowly and deeply into your abdomen, then as you exhale, relax the pelvic floor (similar to the way you do when relaxing it to urinate). Repeat as often as you think of it. 

2. Stretch sore pelvic muscles

You might notice that the muscles around the bladder are tense and sore during a flare up. After relaxing with some deep breathing and massaging the sore spots, spend some time gently stretching the muscles that are sore. The most important thing is to avoid overstretching; this can potentially worsen the problem. 

3. Soothe with heat and ice

Some people prefer heat, while others enjoy the soothing sensation of ice. When your bladder is in pain, soothe it with whichever works for you. Or try switching from one to the other; place a warm bag of rice or a heating pad over the bladder for one minute, then a pack of ice for another minute. Switch back and forth every minute until you are feeling better, for up to twenty minutes. 

4. Neutralize acid with baking soda

Some of us respond negatively to acidic or spicy foods. While it is best to stay away from trigger food, sometimes they cannot be avoided. There is a product called Prelief that can be taken before eating such foods to avoid bladder pain. However, if you still find yourself in the middle of a food-induced flare up, you can quickly soothe the pain with a combination of baking soda and warm water. Follow the measurement instructions of the box of baking soda. This solution should only be used when absolutely necessary, though. 

Photo courtesy of Flickr / Juan Chien-Han

**Disclaimer: This article is meant for informational purposes only, and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.