I want to know what resources are available on the web (chat groups,
posting boards, pregnancy-with-preexisting-back-problems-info sites,
etc.)  I am also a member of AOL, so AOL chat groups would be okay
(and, if you include them, please let me know how I access them -- I'm
new to AOL).  Please don't include sites that are mostly limited to
back problems that begin in pregnancy.

Specifically, I want to know what risks I would be taking (what types
of risks; how likely is each; can anything be done to minimize the
chance of further injury, etc.)

Also, please only give me current sites with a fair amount of traffic.
 I have found a few sites in the past, but they have had limited
and/or old postings (and, thus, no one/few people would be likely to
see or respond to my post.)

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Request for Question Clarification by cynthia-ga on 10 Jul 2005 16:39 PDT

What kind of back problems do you have, --specifically, where in your
back?  Lower back problems could make labor and delivery difficult.

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Clarification of Question by jackiell-ga on 11 Jul 2005 08:38 PDT

I have the most persistent (years and years) problem in my low back. 
Various MRIs have shown herniation, annular tears, disc desiccation,
and internal derangement (eek), among other things.  This has resulted
in periods where I physically could not walk at all (rare),
intermittent numbness (frequent and highly disconcerting but not
severe), (the obvious) pain, and "popping" myself back into alignment
as many as 15 or 20 times per day.

I have mid-upper problems that range from non-noticeable (frequently)
to completely debilitating (rarely, but then I can not walk.)

I have neck problems, too (surprise, surprise), but I don't anticipate
those being an issue.

So, all that being said, what do you think?

(Also, sites where women with back issues discuss how they deal with
all the bending and twisting and lifting associated with parenthood
would be great.)

Many thanks!

I have had recurrent (which does differ from chronic)low back pain for
thirteen years, and I also have two sons, ages 4 and 1.

In both pregnancies, I had episodes of the LBP and in each these
episodes were treated with a combination of medication (ibuprofen,
cyclobenzaprine {Skelaxin}), brief physical therapy, Thermacare
low-back heat wraps (after week 12) and a prescribed TENS unit. 
Medication and the TENS unit were the most effective for me, but I
think that's because I wasn't very compliant with my very earnest
physical therapist's very earnest instructions.

The key bit is to find a medical doctor who is willing to explain the
risks and benefits to both you and your baby.  To my knowledge, the
only commonly prescribed muscle relaxant that is absolutely
contraindicated in pregnancy is methocarbamol (Robaxin, Robaxisal,
Robaxacet).  Otherwise, there is not much that absolutely cannot be
given to a pregnant woman. That said, you will not find any medication
(or therapy) which is listed as absolutely safe--things go very wrong
in a great many pregnancies and deliveries (there's a reason women
through the 1920's not infrequently wrote out their wills prior to
delivery) and every medication ever taken by a pregnant woman has
undoubtedly been blamed for a miscarriage or other poor pregnancy
outcome.

So...see your obstetrician, assess your own perspective on risks in
pregnancy, avoid the obvious (hot tubs and heat wraps with a side of
daiquiris in week 7 of the pregnancy, for instance) and take with a
grain of salt all the chiropractors/massage therapists/nutritionists
who will tell you that their adjustments/massage/herbal tea will
relieve your pain and is perfectly safe for the baby.

Incidentally, I found that in the third trimester of each pregancy, my
back pain actually was reduced--the baby squashing all of my key bits
up against my spine stabilised everything, which my obstetrician said
is not uncommon.  Good luck.