Q: I am a 25 years old female and for the past four years I am sufferimg from back pain. Twice I have experienced an acute back pain over a gap of one year due to which I had to take bed rest for atleast 15 days. A recent MRI scan has diagnosed moderate posterior disc protrusion of desiccated disc at L4-5 level with mild disc bulge present at L5-S1. After my first pregnancy I started experiencing this back pain while getting up in the morning but the pain would subside after getting on with the normal day to day work. Now my first child is already 5 years and I want to go in for a second pregnancy. Is it advisable to go in for a second pregnancy with a disc prolapse? What complications are likely to occur during pregnancy as I do not want to make the condition of my spine worse?

A:Degenerative disc disease is a rather common cause of back pain. You are too young to be experiencing this condition. There are very few good treatments for it. My suggestion would be to start a very basic yoga program. The stretching of spine with yogic exercises decreases the force of gravity on your back at least temporarily. As for the pregnancy, the added weight does put extra weight on the spine. Other than the some what increased discomfort, I do not anticipate any other complications. I would suggest discussing this with your gynecologist. Good luck!