pregnancy and back problems - Back Problems Message Board

lilacs · 03-06-2006, 07:05 AM

I have a rather large herniated disc and was told that the only thing that can be done for me right now is surgery. The doctor said that he does not reccomend that at this point because I seem to be doing okay. The problem started back in October and I have had some pain (even if it was only a 2 on a scale of 1-10) every day. I was married in September and my husband would like to have a child. I have heard that about women that have had no problems with pregnancy with herniated discs and then have heard the other end of the spectrum that some people have ended up paralyzed due to complications. I spoke with the doctor and he said that he doesn't think that I would have any problems but there was always a chance that there could be one. I have tried to look on the net for info on this and have not had any luck. Anyone here with similar problems or know someone that has gone through this? What happened or what advice did you receive from your doctor.

xinerevelle · 03-07-2006, 09:53 AM

I too have back problems and I'm TTC (trying to conceive -- there is a board here for that, too!). I had back surgery Dec. 19, but had gone off the pill in September. Of course, we didn't try while I was on the pain meds and whatnot before and after surgery, but as soon as I got off the percoset and flexeril we were back at it.

I'm now doing PT (and ultrasound and e-stim, which I only do in the first 2 weeks of the cycle when I'm not ovulating) and have been doing some research into this as well. My PT told me that in addition to having had 2 herniated discs (hence the laminotomy and partial discectomy at L4/5 and L5/S1) I also have problems with my sacroiliac joint (which is now the cause of most of my pain).

It turns out that many pregnant women have back pain due to SI problems because the pelvis is prepping itself for the birth (loosening up and such). Also, hormones seem to play a big role in back problems during pregnancy, too. (Remember, I've just done some basic web searching... I'm not offering any sort of medical advice.)

For me, I figure the ends justify the means (meaning that I'm ok with additional back pain for 9 months) -- I've had back pain for several years, so what's a few more more months??

My surgeon basically had no comment when I told him I was TTC, my PT (and two different PTAs) also didn't say anything contradictory. My OB also wasn't concerned either. So, I guess I'm good to go!

I guess that if I was you I would go to your OB/GYN and get a pre-pregnancy check-up, where you can discuss all sorts of things, like taking folic acid, nutrition, other health concerns, as well as your back problems.

Good luck!!

JS8568 · 03-07-2006, 10:26 AM

All doctors I have asked said it is okay to go ahead and get pregnant...assuming that you are not already in extreme pain and on the verge of having surgery. There is no way to tell how your body will adjust to the pregnancy. You will just have to pay extra attention to your lower back when lifting & bending.

When I was about to have surgery, I was told that I should wait for a full year after the surgery before conceiving...but luckily I have escaped the surgery route (for now.)

I had a bad lower back with both my 2nd & 3rd pregnancies & personally noticed no additional pain....I was concerned with the labor being more difficult...but it was not.

Good Luck!

onyxgates · 03-08-2006, 10:56 AM

I had back pain prior to getting pregnant. While I was pregnant, I don't remember it being worse. Pretty much the same or even a little better. Since having my son (over a year ago), I have had increased pain. I am at a 6-7 everyday unless I take something. I am currently being treated for my facet joints. I would say go for it...I would do it again if I had a choice. My son is so worth all of the extra pain!!! Good luck!!!

Bethgirlnj · 03-17-2006, 07:40 AM

Hello,

I had a two-level minimally invasive lumbar endoscopic discectomy in April '04. I had three herniated discs and the surgery helped the two discs that were most damaged. My doctor suggested waiting one year post surgery to let my body heal before TTC (trying to conceive). My husband and I decided to be cautious and wait 1.5 years. I am now 7 months pregnant and my back is doing great. I exercise all the time (2 walks per day, swim twice a week and do back exercises I learned from my days at PT). If I do not exercise, my back starts to hurt. I am also extremely careful in my daily actions not to do anything that would trigger back pain.

I also use a body pillow to sleep, which has helped alleviate hip pain that started at 5 months pregnant. The hip pain was so bad I could hardly walk or sit without extreme pain. The pillow is about 4 ft. long and I use it when I lay on my side, with top leg over the pillow with thigh through foot resting on pillow - it helps to align the spine and take pressure off of the hips. From using the pillow, I have only minimal hip pain a few times a month (very managable) - a big improvement just from using a pillow at night. You can buy one at a large discount store for about $10.

When I asked my back doc about TTC, he said there is no way of knowing how your body will respond to pregnancy - everyone's body reacts differently. My husband and I decided to take the chance and I am so pleased to be having such an easy pregnancy. After my car accident, we weren't sure if I would ever be able to walk or sit normally again, and here I am 4 years later pregnant and feeling good. Because back problems and pregnancy affect people in different ways, I would suggest anyone who is thinking of TTC talk with their doctor(s) and then decide what is best for their individual situation. From my personal experience, I would also suggest keeping up with exercise and making sure your back is as strong as possible before TTC. Best wishes to you!