40代男性のケース：頻尿の改善例
2年前から頻尿の症状が現れる。昼間は約30分ごとにトイレに行きたくなり、夜間も尿意で数回目が覚める状態が続いていた。泌尿器科を受診したものの、症状は改善しなかった。
奥様の紹介で当鍼灸院を訪れることとなった。
初診時の診察結果
脊椎鍼灸療法の比較触診を行ったところ、以下の異常が見つかった：
・胸椎3番・4番：呼吸器と関連のある椎骨
・腰椎5番：呼吸器および膀胱と関連の深い椎骨
・腰椎3番：泌尿器と強く関連する椎骨
今年の梅雨から夏にかけて湿気と熱気が厳しく、多くの人々が呼吸器に負担を抱えていた状況から、呼吸器への負担が泌尿器に影響を及ぼした可能性が高いと考えた。このため、初診では主に呼吸器を整える治療を実施した。
2診目（1週間後）
初診後、2日ほどは日中のトイレの間隔が長くなったとの報告があった。診察の結果、呼吸器系の椎骨はほぼ整っていたものの、腰椎3番に強い異常が残っていることが判明した。
患者に詳しく尋ねたところ、職業が運送業のドライバーであり、30kgほどの荷物を担ぐ仕事をしていることが判明。これにより、2年前に頻尿が発症した原因が、腰椎3番への過度な負荷である可能性が高いと考えられた。
2診目では、腰椎3番を中心に整える脊椎鍼灸療法を実施。
3診目（さらに1週間後）
2診目の治療後、夜間の尿意で目覚めることがなくなり、日中のトイレの間隔も90分ほどに伸びたとの報告があった。また、紹介者である奥様からも「頻尿が大きく改善した」と喜びの声をいただいた。
考察
このケースでは、仕事で重い荷物を担ぐことにより、泌尿器と関係の深い腰椎3番に負荷がかかり、頻尿が引き起こされたと考えられる。また、酷暑の湿気や熱気による呼吸器への負担が腰椎5番を介して泌尿器にも影響を及ぼし、症状改善を妨げていた可能性がある。
本治療により、呼吸器と腰椎の調整を行った結果、頻尿が改善されたと推測される。
Case Study: Improvement in Frequent Urination for a Man in His 40s
Background
The patient started experiencing symptoms of frequent urination two years ago. During the day, he needed to use the restroom approximately every 30 minutes, and at night, he woke up several times due to the urge to urinate. Despite consulting a urologist, his symptoms did not improve.
Following a recommendation from his wife, he visited our acupuncture and moxibustion clinic.
Initial Consultation Findings
Through comparative palpation during spinal acupuncture therapy, the following abnormalities were identified:
・Thoracic Vertebrae 3 and 4: Vertebrae associated with respiratory functions.
・Lumbar Vertebra 5: Related to both respiratory and bladder functions.
・Lumbar Vertebra 3: Strongly linked to urinary functions.
Given that this year’s rainy season and summer brought high humidity and heat, which strained the respiratory systems of many individuals, it was hypothesized that respiratory burden might have affected urinary functions. Thus, the initial treatment focused on balancing the respiratory system.
Second Visit (One Week Later)
The patient reported that for two days after the first treatment, the intervals between restroom visits during the day lengthened. Examination revealed that while the vertebrae related to respiratory functions were almost aligned, a strong abnormality persisted in Lumbar Vertebra 3.
Upon further inquiry, the patient disclosed that he worked as a truck driver and frequently carried loads weighing approximately 30 kg. This information led to the conclusion that excessive strain on Lumbar Vertebra 3 from his job was likely the root cause of his frequent urination.
The second treatment focused on correcting Lumbar Vertebra 3 through spinal acupuncture therapy.
Third Visit (Another Week Later)
After the second treatment, the patient reported no longer waking up at night due to the urge to urinate. Additionally, the intervals between restroom visits during the day extended to about 90 minutes. His wife, who had referred him to the clinic, also expressed delight, noting significant improvement in his symptoms.
Discussion
This case suggests that frequent urination was triggered by strain on Lumbar Vertebra 3, closely linked to urinary functions, due to the physical demands of the patient’s job. Furthermore, the burden on the respiratory system caused by extreme humidity and heat may have indirectly impacted urinary functions via Lumbar Vertebra 5, complicating symptom improvement.
By addressing both respiratory and lumbar issues through treatment, the patient’s symptoms improved significantly.