When parents think about childhood bedwetting or urinary accidents, they usually think about the bladder, urinary tract, or developmental factors. But new research suggests that posture and musculoskeletal alignment may also be worth considering.
A 2026 study published in Scientific Reports examined children with urinary incontinence and found measurable differences in postural alignment, particularly around the hips and pelvis. While the research does not prove that poor posture causes urinary problems, it raises an interesting question about the relationship between the musculoskeletal system and bladder and bowel function.
What Does Posture Have to Do With Urinary Function?
Our bodies work as interconnected systems. The spine, pelvis, hips, abdominal muscles, and pelvic floor all contribute to stability, movement, and normal function.
In the study, researchers evaluated 53 children between the ages of 5 and 14, including children with daytime urinary incontinence and nighttime bedwetting. Children with urinary symptoms demonstrated differences in whole-body alignment, with some of the most notable differences occurring in the hip and pelvic region.
The researchers also examined core-muscle function and its relationship to posture. Some relationships were identified in the initial analysis, although they did not remain statistically significant after additional statistical correction.
That means more research is needed—but the findings are still interesting for parents and healthcare providers.
How Could Chiropractic Care Help?
At Advanced Back & Neck Pain Center in Newark, Delaware, chiropractic care focuses on more than simply treating back or neck pain.
A chiropractic evaluation can examine:
- Spinal and pelvic alignment
- Hip mobility and symmetry
- Posture and movement patterns
- Core and postural muscle function
- Musculoskeletal restrictions and imbalances
When appropriate, chiropractic care and physical therapy can be used together to improve mobility, strength, coordination, and overall musculoskeletal function.
Importantly, chiropractic care should not be considered a replacement for appropriate medical evaluation of childhood urinary incontinence. Persistent bedwetting or urinary accidents can have many causes, and children should be evaluated by their pediatrician and, when necessary, a pediatric urologist or other qualified healthcare professional.
A New Reason to Look at the Whole Body
The most important takeaway from this research isn’t that chiropractic care is a treatment for bedwetting. The study doesn’t demonstrate that.
Instead, it gives us another reason to consider the relationship between posture, the pelvis, core musculature, and normal body function.
If your child is experiencing urinary or bowel symptoms along with concerns about posture, hip mobility, pelvic alignment, or musculoskeletal function, a chiropractic evaluation may be one piece of a comprehensive approach.
Chiropractic Care in Newark, Delaware
At Advanced Back & Neck Pain Center, our approach combines chiropractic care, physical therapy, and massage therapy to evaluate and treat musculoskeletal problems from multiple perspectives.
If you’re looking for a chiropractor in Newark, DE, our team can evaluate your child’s posture, movement, spine, hips, and overall musculoskeletal function and help determine whether conservative care may be appropriate.
Advanced Back & Neck Pain Center
54 Omega Drive, Suite F
Newark, DE 19713
