Expert: Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman - 12/8/2006

Question
Thank you for all the information you provided.  I also needed to know if
taking the epidural is safe or do they have an effect in any way with the two
bulged discs.
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
Hi i have two bulged discs in my lower back.  I wanted to know is this a
permanent condition or it can be cured.  second i wanted to know if this can
get worse with pregnancy and if there would be any medication i can take
during pregnancy.  thanks for your time.
-----Answer-----
Dear Maya,

Bulged discs are not a huge concern unless they are pressing on the spinal
cord or spinal nerve roots and causing symptoms.  It is quite possible to have
bulged discs that are asymptomatic and that are not affecting the
surrounding tissues.  You need to find out the exact extent of the disc injury
as there are stages that range from no treatment all the way to surgical
intervention.  For a more comprehensive explanation with illustrations please
read the below page of my website:

http://www.suncoasthealthcare.net/dsc.htm

Now, disc injuries are permanent in the fact that healing is never 100%, so
there is not a true "cure", but bulges can be reduced, inflammation can be
decreased, function improved, and many times pain can be eliminated.  Most
disk problems are non-surgical and respond well the chiropractic care.  This
should include physical exercises for rehabilitation and stability, along with
spinal manipulation to reduce abnormal movement and to decompress the
area around the disk.  Chiropractic care is absolutely safe throughout
pregnancy, and we actually receive 3-4 patient referrals a month from local
obstetricians.  Care is specific when involving the pregnant female, and not
all chiropractic physicians have been trained in pregnancy care, so make sure
to ask your chiropractor.  For more information on chiropractic care during
pregnancy, please access the web from the below link and review a previous
answer I had written on all experts:  

http://experts.about.com/q/Chiropractors-965/pregnancy.htm

Bulging disks/disk problems can get worse with pregnancy because of the
increased weight against gravity from the developing fetus, increased intra-
abdominal pressure from the placenta and growth of the uterus, as well as
increased ligament laxity which serves as change for an easier transition
through the birth canal for the fetus. Unfortunately, all mediation is
contraindicated in pregnancy due to possible damage to the developing fetus.  
No drug has been deemed safe, or had research showing safe levels of
consumption for fetal development...they all have risks, some are quite
deleterious and even deadly.  Some risks can be managed, but this needs to
be discussed fully with your obstetrician as well as your pharmacist.  It is
beyond my scope of practice to advise you on medication other than to avoid
it during pregnancy.

Hope this all helps Maya. If you have any further questions, just get back with
me.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman


Answer
Dear Maya,

The epidural will not have a negative effect on the disks.  As a matter of fact pain management physicians often utilize epidural injections for chronic pain patients, but you must realize that this will not help the disk either.  It will just make you feel better and possibly make the birth easier depending on your point of view.  

Epidurals do have risks associated with them as well, but they are managed risks, and your obstetrician and anesthesiologist should be able to fully discuss them with you.  in the mean time, there are a few wonderfully written article in Mothering magazine on this topic.  You can read two of them below at the links provided:

http://www.mothering.com/articles/pregnancy_birth/birth_preparation/hidden-risks

http://www.mothering.com/articles/pregnancy_birth/birth_preparation/risks.html

Good luck with your disks, pregnancy and birth Maya.  Remember whatever you choose epidural or no epidural, healthy baby, healthy mother is the only acceptable outcome, and it can be with a natural or medicated birth.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman