Back Problems Before Pregnancy

cbrasuell · September 2013

I've got a herniated disc and am having lots of pain from it. Requiring meds and PT just to get by. I'm worried that since I can't even carry myself around, I won't be able to carry a baby. Has anyone dealt with this?

llybeck · September 2013

A friend of mine was scheduled to have back surgery after a car accident, had herniated discs along with several other problems. Well she found out she was pregnant and obviously had to postpone the surgery until after the baby. She was in an enormous amount of pain but she carried just fine, didn't need to go on bed rest, didn't take anything more than Tylenol, and had a normal labor. And the surgeon that performed the procedure after said it was one of the worst they had done.

I think it completely depends on how much you are willing to commit and just "push through" it. You may not be able to take the medication you are now, especially if you are on narcotics, and if you do there are obviously risks related to taking certain meds while pregnant. You aren't pregnant currently, right, just looking for advice/experiences? Well it is possible to live without the medication if needed, my mom has herniated discs, degenerative discs and degenerative disc disease, extensive nerve problems, fibromyalgia and constant migraines. So suffice it to say she is always in pain. She just got all of her prescribed pain meds by working with her doctor and physical therapist and coming up with a plan to wean off of them. She was on so many for so long that she was developing other health problems because of the meds. Because she did it the correct way and worked with her doctors the whole time, she is able to manage her pain with certain PT techniques and the recommended dosages of Tylenol. It certainly isn't easy but she is living her life and being more active than she was when she was on the meds, she still has pain but she can still function and live a normal life.

Sorry, this ended up really long but I think it's important to know that if you are looking to become pregnant and you have an issue like that, it is important to talk to your doctors and get their input. They may have you wean off or lower your medication and if you stick with it and push through, you can do that. Pregnancy on it's own can be very painful, especially later on, but it's more than possible to do it even with other issues and pain.

cbrasuell · September 2013

Not pregnant yet, I was just about to hit my TTC mark (30th birthday) when this back problem came out of nowhere. My doctors don't want to give me a solid answer about having a baby, possibly because they haven't gotten my issues figured out yet. I just knew someone else must have dealt with this, and wondered what I should expect. Thank you very much for your feedback! It is such a relief to feel like I'm not the only one and it can be done, thanks again!

llybeck · September 2013

That makes it even worse that this just came out of nowhere, especially since it's coinciding with TTC, I'm so sorry you're in that much pain. I hope they can get you some answers soon but like you said, probably just waiting to see exactly what can be done and what route to take. I am sending positive thoughts your way, hang in there!

cbrasuell · September 2013

Thank you!

PhoebeLH · September 2013

I am 28 weeks pregnant and have suffered from herniated discs and severe back pain/sciatica for years. So far, knock on wood, I have not had any problems with pregnancy. I did mention it to my ob/gyn and she only said I'd probably want to meet with an anesthesiologist prior to labor to possibly alter the location of an epidural. She didn't seem concerned otherwise. So it's definitely possible! Good luck!

Cleo421 · September 2013

I'm 37 weeks tomorrow with twins. I have a painful history of back problems, including degenerative disc disease. I could barely stoop down to pick something up, let alone think about carrying a pregnancy. Last fall, after PT, pain meds, and a host of other less invasive things, I bit the bullet and got a series of three cortisone shots.

The results were nothing short of amazing and I'd recommend it for anyone. I've had zero pain since, even after carrying around twins for the last 9 months, and am actually a little concerned I won't feel some early symptoms of labor (ie, back pain) because of how pain resistant my back is now!

kimberlymacrae · September 2013

I had severe back pain before being PG, all the way up to my BFP. But the "pregnancy hormones" have actually loosened all my trouble muscles and areas so during pregnancy I haven't had the need for anything more than a Tylenol! I would make sure that you're completely or nearly off your medication before TTC though. (If possible). I was able to go from 20 mg of Hydrocodone to 0 mg in one day but I think if you were on anything heavier it would be a tough transition.

I agree with the PP that sometimes you just have to push through the pain you'd normally medicate. It was a big mind-shift for me. Pre-PG if I had a flare up I would just adjust my meds and physical therapy. Now I have to start this long routine of hot baths, stretching, resting, massage, etc. It's just a different boat. But it is all worth it!

Post-baby I am really going to work with my massage therapist, hot baths, stretching, working out and my Doctor to keep my back in shape so I can hold/coddle and love this little one. With all the great wraps and infant holders that are on the market I am sure I will be able to find one that fits my posture and issues the best. Plus always using a Boppy and supporting the LO in "egro-friendly" fashion should really help afterwards.

SnoopyLuv · September 2013

I have spine issues and the pain mostly went away with pregnancy #1 and has been decreased with #2. The hormones to relax your ligaments can actually be really helpful. I was approved to take flexeril and vicodin as needed once I hit 2nd tri. I have barely had to take anything (like PPs I try natural/external stuff first), and I've been good about doing my exercises, getting in the pool and seeing the chiropractor. Previous back issues are not a death sentence. I also got pregnant both times after round 3 of epidural steroid injections, they last quite a while for me.

ksimo6 · September 2013

I went through about 7 months of PT and OT before I got pregnant for a severe loss of mobility due to degenerative disc disease. It was HARD, but I am now 34 weeks along and my back is holding up really well. I have stuck with all the stretching, PT/ OT exercises, and regular trips to my chiropractor through my entire pregnancy and I'm doing great. My back feels good and I am mobile. It's possible! Get your back in good working order and then get after it.

**Like SnoopyLuv - I have been taking flexeril throughout my pregnancy for fibromyalgia, and it is probably a contributing factor to how good my back feels as well.

scamberlous3000 · September 2013

I have severe back issues as well, and I would say that my body is holding up a lot better than I thought it would.

I was diagnosed with a herniated disc/degenerative disc disease several years ago, and I tried everything in my power to avoid surgery. PT, pain medications, 4 steroid injections, walking, stretching, etc. and none of it worked. I eventually had to have an anterior lumbar disc fusion b/c that was the only chance I had to relieve my symptoms. I had a serious conversation with my surgeon about pregnancy and carrying a baby prior to the surgery since I was about to get married, and I he told me I would more than likely end up on bed rest during my 2nd trimester, but the surgery itself would give me no issues w/ having a VB.

Unfortunately, I waited so long between the time of my accident & the time of surgery (4 yrs) that the surgery didn't work, but he still told me that everything should be fine w/ my pregnancy. I am happy to say that it has gone pretty well considering the circumstances. I have not had to go on bed rest yet, but I do have some severe back pain and sciatica issues which was expected. I take it easy as much as possible, and I was approved to take Tylenol 3 (w/ codeine) and Flexeril starting in the 2nd trimester. I try to take it only when I seriously need it b/c it doesn't really help w/ the pain all that much. I really just helps me sleep.

I will suggest that if, god forbid, you do have to end up having surgery discuss the anterior approach w/ your surgeon. That basically means that they approach your spine through your belly rather than through your back. This method has a longer recovery time up front, but it prevents scar tissue from accumulating in the surgery site on your back which *may* cause a problem if you are planning to have an epi. I had a consult w/ my hospital's anesthesiologist who told me I shouldn't have any issues w/ the epi b/c of how my surgery was performed.

Edit: Hot baths w/ epsom salt and heating pads are also a godsend!

cbrasuell · September 2013

Thank you so much for your feedback, everyone! I can't tell you how much more confident I feel now!

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