Expert: Dr. Peter Carr - 9/29/2009

Question
I am 27 and have been having low back pain which slowly started as pain in and around the right knee almost 2 years ago. After a knee MRI and a lower back MRI recently I have been diagnosed with a transitional vertebra at L5 and also a bulging disc. I am going to a chiropractic doctor who has seen many similar cases and is positive about my pain relief in the next 2-3 months. I and my husband are planning to have kids sometime next year. My question to you is "Will the transitional L5 complicate my pregnancy or cause severe back pain?"

Answer
CJ;

 It's my opinion that being pregnant often HELPS disc injuries, since your big(ger)belly tends to draw your low back into an extension posture, where there is a forward facing banana curve in your back.  You can read all about the lumbar disc on my website's <a href="http://www.dynamicclinic.com/lumbar_disc_seattle.php">Lumbar disc article.</a>  (I tried to be slick and add a link, hope that it works.

Your doc should be following the rough guidelines set out in that article.  Light force techniques typically don't work; don't be afraid of allowing them to put a bit of force into your spine.

Best of luck with the pregnancy!

Hope this answer helps,

Dr. Peter Carr
Seattle, WA
www.dynamicclinic.com