Sue in Dorset, UK asks:
"After suffering with back pain since my teens I was recently diagnosed with Grade III spondylolisthesis. My husband and I are thinking of starting a family. Could my injury cause any complications during the pregnancy?"
T J Salih, Senior Chartered Physiotherapist at the back2normal back and neck clinic, London replies:
"Spondylolisthesis is a fracture of the lumbar vertebra with a forward slippage of one of the fracture fragments - the front most aspect of the vertebra, the vertebral body. Apart from local low back pain this condition can cause referred pain in the legs, due to impingement of the spinal nerve roots.
"The answer to your specific query about pregnancy is yes on two counts.
"Firstly, if your Spondylolisthesis is a Grade III, it means that the forward slippage of the front part of the vertebra is 75% or above, relative to the normal spinal alignment. This can cause difficulty with vaginal birth. Your obstetrician should be consulted BEFORE you get pregnant. He or she will then be able to assess the shape and size of your pelvis, to see whether it would be possible to have a trail of labour, or whether it would be simply be best to opt for a caesarian section.
"One method of pain relief can be achieved when TENS acts as a physiological inhibitor of impulses from the pain receptor, in a process often referred to as the 'Pain Gate Mechanism'. This occurs because, when set at a higher frequency, the TENS unit stimulates different pain receptors which override the painful stimulus. This is the electrotherapy equivalent of rubbing your knee after you've fallen on it. The counter stimulation provides pain relief.
"Secondly, depending upon the level of pain that you have at present, it is likely that the level of pain during and after pregnancy will increase. You should be physically as well as you can be before becoming pregnant to minimize the potential risks to you and your baby.
"Always remember that planning BEFORE the event is the best option, and if you are in any doubt, your treating doctors should discuss things with you and ideally should discuss things between themselves at an early stage."
Injury A to Z: Disc Prolapse explained >
Suitable for everyday use in the treatment and prevention of low back pain. Lightweight and...![]()
(5 reviews)
Contoured Aerotherm® neoprene back support for improved comfort. Ideal for treatment and prevention of Sciatica and back...
A top-quality stabilising back support, with metal stays, which improves spinal posture, as well as providing superb support and...
NEW Neoprene back support with enclosed magnets for the treatment and...![]()
(2 reviews)
Features a removable lumbar pad cushion for extra support and stability. Improves posture, prevents...![]()
(2 reviews)
BEST SELLER!Top quality sports and work back support featuring a ventilated...![]()
(7 reviews)
The ultimate back brace for back pain and back surgery. Ensures good posture, prevents harmful back twisting and forward bending....
Deep Relief dual action gel with ibuprofen is a clear, non-sticky and non-greasy gel with a mild,...![]()
(2 reviews)
Easy to use dual channel digital TENS machine for effective pain relief featuring seven preset...![]()
(3 reviews)
A superior visco elastic, temperature reactive memory foam pillow used to enhance sleep for those with neck problems. Complete...
The ExtraComfort Restore Memory Foam Mattress is a highest quality orthopaedic mattress and can relieve pain due to arthritis,...
High quality wedge shaped, high density foam chair cushion with 'cut out' section at the Coccyx (tail bone) region. The Coccyx...
SAVE UP TO 60%!A mouldable pack that becomes an instant single use heat pack. Ideal for soothing warm pain relief....
Fabric pack that contains wheat. Can be put in the microwave or freezer to provide a hot or cold pack....
Fabric pack that contains wheat. Can be put in the microwave or freezer to provide a hot or cold pack....
The Water Floatation Belt is ideal for early non weight bearing cardiovascular training as its...![]()
(1 review)
Made from buoyant, lightweight foam the Foam Water Noodle is ideal for use as a floating and buoyancy device and is suitable for...
The AquaJogger 100 is a floatation belt. One particular benefit is that it allows an early return...![]()
(1 review)
Leading Chartered Physio-
therapist Judith Pitt-Brooke shares her tried and tested back pain self-treatment programme in...
BEST SELLER! Fully adjustable, lightweight and portable back stretching device....![]()
(2 reviews)
Provides a visual indication of whether you are working the correct postural muscles, in the right manner, when performing...
Receive our latest news and offers.