Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 10/5/2008

Question
I was just recently diagnosed with a transitional vertebra in my L5 S1 area of my spine. I am having an MRI done to determine if there is any nerve damage (because recently I've had horrible pain in both my legs and numbness...). I was wondering what the treatment usually is for this condition?

My dad has spinal stenosis, so they think that there is a chance I also have that. Will this affect my ability to had children when I am older? Thank you!

Answer
All a transitional vertebrae is, is a section that decided it wanted to be part of another section; ie. the 1 sacral vertebrae didn't fuse correctly during development.  What it means for you is biomechanically, you may be a little more unstable.  I would find a good chiropractor to make sure everything is in alignment.  Just so you know...I have one myself.  My 1st sacral vertebra is only partially fused, so it is what is called partial lumbarization of sacrum.  It leads to a little extra instability, but is usually not a big threat.