Back Problems *BEFORE* TTC. Any tips?

GiddyUp82

I mildly herniated several discs several months ago. No surgery was done and they have been improving with physical therapy and rest. I still have lingering daily low back pain. My husband and I would like to start TTC, but obviously have some concerns. All doctors I have mentioned this to just shrug it off, and say back pain during pregnancy is very common. Does anyone have experience with back issues prior to TTC? Any recommendations? 

ngolimento

I have two collapsed discs, and recently had a baby. Strangely enough pregnancy ended up making my back feel better, not worse. The hormone relaxing actually made my discs less brittle and more effective. Sadly that effect has faded post party, but yoga always helps me immensely with my back, pregnant or not.

Sirius37

I have had lower pack pain for the past 13 years, since a snowboarding injury; my back issues are different than yours though. Thanks to getting my first lower back x-ray ever, I know now I have four issues I'm dealing with, including a degenerative disc and cock-eyed L3 spinal segment. I've been really concerned about increased back pain with upcoming TTC, so I figured it was beyond time for me to really look at getting what I could fixed. I've been visiting a chiropractor (which isn't for everyone, I know) and have been feeling pretty good.

As for advice of what may help, all I can tell you is that (for me) the best my back has ever felt is when I was swimming regularly and (like @peledreamsofrain suggested) yoga. I don't know if its all the movement, stretching, or what, but it was a no-fail method for me. Good luck with whatever you end up doing!

SLou24

Hi @HB419! I work in sports medicine and work with this type of back pain a lot. While I don't generally work with a pregnant population, my best advice for you is to continue PT or at least keeping up with the exercises that your PT gave you while at home. Do these at least 3x/week, as strengthening the core/low back/glutes usually helps this type of pain the most. You just have to be consistent about it, and I would imagine it will help with any pregnancy back pains as well. Good luck! 

GiddyUp82

Thank you @SLou24 @Sirius37 and @Peledreamsofrain

I am still going to PT 2x a week and stretching daily, since stretching gives me the most relief. I have another appointment in 2 weeks. hopefully things will be moving in the right direction!