Interstitial Cystitis, Bladder Pain, and Lower Back Pain: How Your Pelvic Floor Is Involved

When IC Meets Holiday Season

If you live with interstitial cystitis (IC), also called painful bladder syndrome, you know how sensitive your bladder can be. IC is a chronic bladder condition that causes pelvic pain, urinary urgency, and frequency—often without any infection showing up on tests. During the holidays, that sensitive system is under extra pressure: extra coffee or wine, rich food, long car rides, and stress all add up, which can mean more flares, more bathroom trips, and sometimes more lower back pain.

Many people with IC ask, “Is this pain coming from my bladder, my back, or my pelvic floor?” The truth: they’re often all connected—and that’s where pelvic floor physical therapy can help.

💡 New to IC? Start with our overview: Understanding Interstitial Cystitis.

Can Interstitial Cystitis Cause Lower Back Pain?

Yes, it can. IC makes the bladder and surrounding tissues more sensitive. Because the bladder sits low in the pelvis and shares nerve pathways with the pelvic floor, hips, and low back, pain can wrap into the sacrum and lumbar spine—not just the bladder area.

On top of that, when your bladder hurts, the pelvic floor and back muscles often tighten to “protect” you. Over time, that guarding can create its own muscle-based low back pain.

How Your Pelvic Floor Fits In

Your pelvic floor supports the bladder and pelvic organs, helps control urine and bowel movements, and works with your core to stabilize the low back. With IC, it’s common to see:

• Pelvic floor clenching/guarding during flares

• Difficulty relaxing for peeing, bowel movements, or intimacy

• Tight muscles that refer pain into the tailbone, hips, and low back

That’s why treating IC isn’t only about the bladder—it often needs to include the pelvic floor and surrounding muscles too.

Common Flare Triggers (Including Holiday Habits)

Everyone’s bladder has its own “trigger fingerprint,” but some common flare factors include:

• Stress and poor sleep – The nervous system ramps up, which can heighten pain sensitivity and urgency.

• Certain foods and drinks – For some people, coffee, tea, citrus, carbonated drinks, alcohol, chocolate, and spicy foods can be irritating.

• Constipation or bowel changes – A backed-up bowel sits right behind the bladder and pelvic floor, increasing pressure and discomfort.

• Long periods of sitting or travel – Extended car rides, flights, or couch time can increase compression and tension in the pelvic floor and low back.

• High-intensity workouts without enough recovery – Especially if your pelvic floor is already working overtime to guard.

During the holiday season, many of these stack on top of each other, which is why flares and back pain can feel worse this time of year.

Even small shifts can help—like swapping one coffee or soda for water, adding brief walking/stretch breaks on travel days, and doing a few minutes of slow breathing before bed.

How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Helps Interstitial Cystitis and Back Pain

Pelvic floor physical therapy looks at the whole picture: bladder symptoms, pelvic floor tension, hip and low-back mobility, and how your nervous system is coping. A plan may include:

• Gentle release and relaxation work for the pelvic floor and hips (external, and internal only if appropriate and consented)

• Positions and breathing strategies that reduce pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor

• Education and pacing strategies so you can move more without constant flare fear

• Gradual strength work for hips, glutes, and core to support your low back

The goal isn’t a weak pelvic floor—it’s a responsive one that can both relax and engage when needed.

When to See a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist

It might be time to get extra support if:

• You have bladder pain, urgency, or frequency most days

• You notice lower back pain that seems tied to IC flares

• Sitting, intimacy, or certain positions ramp up pelvic or low back pain

• Flares are starting to change your plans—travel, holidays, social events, or everyday errands

You don’t have to wait until things are “really bad” to ask for help.

How Revelle Can Support You

If you’re noticing bladder pain, pelvic pressure, or lower back pain that seems tied to IC, you don’t have to you don’t have to push through it alone—holiday season or otherwise.

Our pelvic floor physical therapists in Atlanta, Alpharetta & Denver see women with interstitial cystitis and chronic pelvic pain every week. We blend pelvic floor expertise with nervous system support and practical strategies you can use in real life.

Ready to feel more supported?

• Learn more about Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

• Or schedule a free phone consult to see if we’re a good fit for you.