Treatment
If back pain suddenly sets in during pregnancy, you should have the symptoms examined by a doctor. Back pain is normal to a certain extent during pregnancy, but can also be an indication of the first contractions. If a herniated disc is diagnosed during pregnancy, conservative therapy is the first priority for pregnant women.
Painkillers that are administered must of course not harm the unborn child, which limits the choice of available drugs. Theoretically, drugs such as paracetamol or ibuprofen are suitable. The use of medicines during pregnancy should be discussed with the doctor treating the child.
In addition to taking painkillers, heat or cold can relieve the pain of a herniated disc. Warm baths, heat lamps or cold compresses can be used at home. Physiotherapy and massages are also suitable for treating a herniated disc during pregnancy, but should be adapted to the needs of the pregnant woman.
Slipped discs that cause urinary or fecal incontinence must always be treated surgically. Then there is no other therapy option for a pregnant woman. In principle, surgery for a herniated disc is possible during pregnancy.
Of course, minimally invasive procedures are preferred to surgery under general anesthesia, because during general anesthesia it is especially important to maintain an optimal oxygen supply for the baby in the womb. In addition, drugs used for general anaesthesia are placental, i.e. the substances also enter the infant’s blood. Minimally invasive procedures are suitable for pregnant women because the skin incision is very small and the surgeon can reach damaged discs through a tube (endoscope).
The back muscles and surrounding tissue are not stressed as much as during an operation under general anaesthesia. In addition, early mobilisation (movement) of the patient is possible, which means that the subsequent physiotherapy can be started quite quickly. Which surgical procedure should be used, however, must be decided individually in each case.
Should a caesarean section be preferred in case of a slipped disc during pregnancy?
If a pregnant woman has a slipped disc, the type of birth should be discussed thoroughly with the gynaecologist. In principle, a normal birth is possible despite the herniated disc and can in most cases take place without any complications affecting the herniated disc. However, it should be discussed in detail with an anaesthetist before the birth whether epidural anaesthesia is possible.
The nerves lying in the spinal cord are anaesthetised, which blocks the transmission of pain from the abdomen. In most cases, this is possible despite an existing herniated disc. This allows the woman to decide individually how she wants to bring her child into the world.
Prophylaxis
During pregnancy, joint-gentle sports such as swimming or water gymnastics are ideal for preventing a slipped disc during pregnancy. In general, regular exercise protects against damage to the spine and contributes to the general well-being of the pregnant woman. Exercise in the fresh air also helps against other symptoms of pregnancy such as tiredness or nausea. Walks or Nordic walking are not too demanding, but promote circulation and blood flow.
