Epidural back pain

by Tammy Holt
(Hoddesdon, Herts)

I have had 2 epidural anesthesia injections, could these have caused a weakness in my back leading to lower back pain? Is there anything I can do about this?

Hi Tammy, no, it is highly unlikely that the epidural will have caused a back problem. You don’t say whether these injections were as a treatment for lower back pain or to manage pain during pregnancy or surgery? I will assume they were not as treatment for lower back pain.

Either way, the injections won't have caused back weakness. This is not an unusual question though, I get asked it a lot.

If you have been in a situation to need an epidural then you have probably been off your feet and perhaps not well. I met someone recently who had been given an epidural for pain following surgery and then had an episode of back pain following this. The epidural took the blame but Im not so sure that it was the cause of the problem.

If you are off your feet and less active then normal several things are at play, firstly, a general loss of physical fitness and spinal flexibility happens. If we do not keep ourselves active we are more likely to get back pain. Secondly, what do we do with our bodies when we are less active? Mostly sitting in poorly supported chairs or in bed for long periods I imagine. This was the case with my patient and when her activity levels returned to normal her pain eased.

If you are concerned about back pain go and see a physiotherapist and take a look at The Back Fitness Programme for some ideas on lower back pain management.

Regards

Paula

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Jan 31, 2012
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Lower Back Pain After Delivery
by: Mommy Of 3

I have to say I'm relieved to know I'm not alone but also sympathetic to everyone else in the same boat as I am. I never had ANY back problems before delivering my 8 year old twins. Within a few months of giving birth I noticed back pain at the injection site and a sort of electrical shock if I moved a certain way. I saw a Chiropractor and was given an X-ray at that time he told me I had inflamed nerves. After seeing the Chiropractor for a few months the pain went away. Then after that every 6 months my back would seem to "go out" to the point where I couldn't stand up straight and would last a few weeks and go away. 5 years ago I had my daughter, she was delivered normally and I again opted for an Epidural. My back pain has progressed to the point where I cannot even get out of bed without a lot of pain. I have a heating pad plugged in within arm's reach from my bed to try and ease the pain, I also try stretches and those don't work either. This doesn't happen every day but I would say it's at least half the time. The week before my menstrual cycle starts is a given I will have back pain. My pain seems to be stemming from the injection site and has spread to my left hip and buttocks, not to my leg yet. A lot of times the pain even wakes me up in the middle of the night because I can't even move or roll over without pain. I just had an X-ray done yesterday of my lower spine and from the comments I've read on this page, I'm thinking I should just demand an MRI!!!

Jan 29, 2012
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3 yrs later!
by: Amber

It's been 3 yrs since having my son, never had pain prior. Ive tried everything, yoga, chiropractor, specialists, spine surgeons, physical therapy, injections, pain dr. Still trying to fix this problem, & im only 29 yrs old! :(

Jan 26, 2012
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Glad to know I'm not alone
by: In pain

I had a textbook pregnancy, and I started off with a textbook delivery. When I was dilated to 5, nurses suggested I get an epidural before it was "too late to do so," so I did. Within one hour, the nurses then expressed concern about my baby's heart rate. A doc showed up and within less than 2 minutes ordered an emergency c-sec. The anesthesiologist pumped me feel of drugs through my epidural iv. My right leg felt like it was on fire. I was so panicked by it (and the fact that I could feel them poking my belly with needles to test my "numbness"), they ordered my husband out of the operating room. I demanded they let him back in. Weeks after the c-sec and being off all prescription painkillers, I realized the spot where the epidural was inserted was horribly tender. In addition, I was experiencing an intense burning and aching extending from that spot, down near my tailbone, down through my right butt cheek, through my outer right thigh, knee, calf, and even my ankle. I complained at my six week checkup, asked if it could be related to the epidural. Doc said epidural was absolutely not the cause. In fact, he seemed offended by the question, and he made me feel so bad for even suggesting that the epidural was the culprit that I refuse to return to his office to this day. It's been about six months since my son's birth, and I'm still experiencing pain, especially in my lower back, right knee area, right calf, and right ankle. Some days it's worse than others, but it is definitely a debilitating kind of pain that makes ordinary activities, like holding my son, painful. My husband and I want to have at least one more child. But I can't imagine being pregnant while suffering from this pain and I'm scared of what I'll be living with after the birth of that second child. My best advice to any pregnant woman - an epidural is in my experience not a guaranteed simple, routine procedure.

Jan 23, 2012
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3 epidurals & backpain
by: Donna

The back pain began 17 yrs ago after the birth of my 5th child. I had epidurals with my 2nd & 3rd born. It came on severely & suddenly; I ended in ER. I was told it was severe muscle spasms. The pain comes out of the blue with a vengeance! Many things can trigger it. Sitting too long, standing too long, bending/twisting wrong, etc. I never know what will trigger it. It takes my breath away. Recently a new dr asked me if I had an epidural & that's when I began to research this. The pain is in my lower back but recently has begun to wrap around into my hips. It is miserable.

Jan 16, 2012
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Back Pain After C-section
by: Kerri

Hi everyone...good to know I am not alone here...I am 43 years old..had my first child by c-section 21 years ago..no problems with my back afterward...had my next child three years later..vaginal delivery after c-section...also, no problems..had spinal/epidurals both times...well,last year, Jan 2011, I had my son by c-section..didn't really notice anything until about a month after he was born...back pain seemed constant..I talked with my ob at my 6 week check up...he said it's common and will go away...boy was he wrong...it hurts every day without fail...some days worse than others..but always hurts..it always feels like there is a knife just sticking out of the spot where they put the needle in and my entire lower back on the right side feels like it is frozen in place..no amount of stretching or moving around makes that feeling go away...now, a year after the birth, the pain has begun to spread out..it now feels like burning lightening running down my right buttocks and down my thigh..my family doctor prescribed mobic, but that doesn't help..haven't had xrays or mri, but from what everyone is saying, I think it would be a waste of time..don't know what to do..just know I can't stand the pain anymore...help?

Jan 03, 2012
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MRI results
by: Melissa Patrick

So I finally got my MRI results, and I have a bulging disc, my doctor says its chronic lower back pain with intermittent radiculopathy. I knew there had to be something causing this pain. The epidural may be the cause of it, he's sending me to physical therapy so they can teach me on how to bend and do things the right way. Also, the mri showed something with my ovaries, so an ultrasound is going to be needed, may have cysts now too.

Jan 02, 2012
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I agree
by: Maryellen

I was given the epidural with 2 doses of the epidural stuff which never worked and I felt everything. In my case it wasn't just the epidural because 2 days after I had my baby girl the elevator fell with me and one of my friends in it. My back slammed into the metal bar on impact and now I'm in constant pain. Right now it hurts to get up and move around, stand, sit or bend over to pick up my lil 4 month old. And can barely even do that which suckz. My husband is offshore and not really able to do anything and nobody is able to help me :-( I wish the pain would go away.

Dec 29, 2011
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7 years and still suffering
by: Kayla

Seven years ago I gave birth to my daughter via c-section. The epidural was awful first attempt didn't work, second attempt came out, third attempt drew out cerebral fluid and gave me an instant blinding migraine. After 20 minutes of pushing they realized that my hips are rotated and that she wouldn't clear. So off to the operating room. I was livid by this point and in extreme pain not from labor but the headache! Now 7 1/2 years later I suffer from chronic lower back, left side flank pain and spinal tenderness to the touch. You guys are not alone!!

Dec 19, 2011
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What a mess!
by: Melissa

I'm so glad I found this site with more people just like me. Just a note prior to having my son I never had any back problems and was active.
Here is my story...

December 10, 2010 I gave birth to my son, when I received my epidrual it took him a while and I think he did it more than one time. After having my son and waiting for the epidrual to wear off my left leg was still really numb. I had to hop on my right leg just to get in a wheel chair to use the restroom, about 5 hours later I could feel my leg again.

I was in excruciating pain that was in my lower back and shot down my leg. I couldn't stand for more than a few seconds. I kept telling the nurses, and they kept saying its normal and would only give me motrin and tylenol.

The day I came home from the hospital I still couldn't walk, it was hard for me to take care of my son. Taking a shower was a big challenge.

At my sons first doctor visit, my mom yelled and told them to give me something for pain because I couldn't walk. I was given norco 10/325, it helped some. I then went in for an appointment, my doctor sent me for xrays and nothing showed up. He also prescribed me a muscle relaxer and antiinflammatory. It started to help some and finally after a month I could walk.

I was just sent for an mri and waiting on results. Its been a year since I had my son and my lower back still hurts! I dread waking up in the mornings, I feel so sluggish and can't move. I do believe the epidural is the cause of my pain! If i do decide to have anymore kids I will be going natural!

Best of luck to everyone and I hope we all find answers!

Dec 01, 2011
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Im pregnant and with severe tailbone pain:(
by: Sandra

Hi I have a 3 year old boy and am currently 7 months pregnant. I had an epidural with my son and ended up with a c-section.I've been experiencing lower back and tailbone pains after his birth,but now Im pregnant and the pain has worsened to the point I can't get up from bed, bend over or walk for a while.Ive talked to my doctor and she says it wasn't caused by the epidural, but I have never experienced pain like this until that epidural. Now im a little scared to what to use to ease the pain on my next delivery.

Nov 29, 2011
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Recent Epidural
by: karen

Hi, I have recently had an epidural for an op.Firstly it didn't work and I felt the whole thing. Then the day after the op I couldnt put on my socks. When I sat I had to stay in the sitting down positon to stand up. I dread going to bed because the pain is so intense when I try to get up. I can't take my dog on the walks I used to I am just restricted to short ones now. Standing hurts if its for a long time.Sitting is terrible if it's for a long time. I'm at my wits end. My Dr has diagnosed two different symptoms, the 1st one fluid round where the needle went in, and now 3 weeks later, prolapsed lumber disc. They have assured me it is nothing to do with the op. Why then didn't I have these symptoms the day before the op?

Nov 14, 2011
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I think the epidural caused back pain..
by: April Calhoun

A disk in my back deteriorated after I had an epidural for my labor and the Dr said he doesnt know why. So just know I think it was the epidural.

Nov 10, 2011
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What Now?
by: JD

I agree with the author of the "What Now? post.
We have 2 years worth and a countless array of testimonials reperesenting a community of women who share a painful and disappointing experience with the medical profession. Do we take our case to the American Medical Asssociation? Write to our local Public Advocates? Get a petition for research into the correlation between epidurals and chronic back pain? Finding that we are not alone in our pain and discomfort may be comforting. Venting about it may be relieving but what now? What next? We all deserve the right to know what to expect when we make medical decisions for ourselves.

Nov 10, 2011
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Chronic back pain
by: Elizabeth L Simms

Over 20 years ago I had an Epidural for the c-section birth of my daughter now in her 20's. I was very young and I believe my age is the reason I took to it as well as I did the problems after. I am older now and have had severe back pains for nearly 7 consecutive years. I have always been pretty tough and able to endure a lot of physical wars but, I have met my match. My suffering is unbearable and is part of a very painful process of the destruction of my life physically,mentally, and now emotionally. It has been like seeing and feeling yourself deteriorate from a cancer. I wouldnt recommend a spinal anesthesic to anyone. I think this procedure needs more research.

Oct 25, 2011
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I think it's the epidural
by: Iolis

I do blame the epidural for my lower back pain, its been a year and six months since I had my second son and I made the mistake to have an epidural as my choice to ease the pain. I do believe the epidural is the cause of my lower back pain.

Oct 24, 2011
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how could this happen??
by: Ashley

I'm 22years old with three girls and had 2 epiduals with my first two girls, my youngest being 10 m/o and I have to lay in bed for 2-3 hours being getting up due to the severity of the pain. Ive been to multiple doctors, one said it was due to having so many kids, the other said stress, and one even said lack of sleep, if thats true then why doesnt my friend that has 5 kids that had no medicine with any of her kids can still do flips and cartwheels? Ive been to the hospital a lot sometimes 2-3 times a month, because the pain starts by the injection area and goes up to the top of my spine, my first epidual was good but the second only numbed my left side, made me hurl, and they had to give me another epidual due to it wearing off so soon, I've been in so much pain that not even tylenol 3 can calm it. This last time I went to the hospital they dignosed me with muscle spasms, I'm only 22 and feel like im stuck in the body of a 72 year old, how can this possibly happen? I regret the epidual 100% its the worst decision of my life. I feel horrible because I feel like my kids have a grandmother not a mother because my body is so badly torn apart.

Oct 07, 2011
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It kills me
by: Anonymous

As I write this,I'm going through this unbearable pain so bad I can't explain. Like many mothers here, it all started with having a C-section when having my second child. I got injected by epidural.It's been there since and I'm now in my fourth year. I wonder if people / doctors who believe its not epidural pain have really given it a try. People, we are dying and it really hurts. Why on earth should it happen only to people who have had epidural? This pain kills me, really it does.

Sep 24, 2011
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Finally!!!!!
by: Anonymous

I have had 2 children. My first was a natural, no pain medication childbirth, the second however was 6 years ago and I hurt so bad from the first I made the worst mistake of my life. I had an epidural with my second child and the doctor had to reposition it a lot! I hurt so bad I almost passed out, it took him almost a half hour just to place it and that was after his set up. I ended up getting a blood patch about 5 days later because of a severe spinal headache. Now I have a spot right in the middle of my spine on the left side that if I put my finger on it I want to fall to my knees. I feel a shocking sensation there and trying to take a tub bath is impossible without pain because the tub rubs right on that spot and makes me cringe with pain. I can't sleep at night in any position and have migraine headaches since! Everyday life is a challenge so I am glad to know that when my doctor said it was nothing he was wrong! Thanks so much!!!!!

Sep 23, 2011
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So Now What?
by: Steve

I feel that you ladies have established that the epidural has definatively been the cause of your now lifelong back pain. My Niece has had the same reaction from her child-birth epidural 8 years ago. Hers is not getting any better and she even has suicidal thoughts the pain is so severe and lasts so long at times. The doctor(s) have her on giant doses of vicoden and/or hydrocodone. I have searched and searched for a doctor or clinic to take her, and have taken her to no avail. Her current doctors of course will also not admit (like many of the posts on here) that the epidural caused the problem, but we all know differently. Please, does anyone know of a doctor that has any idea of how to solve this problem without, "well, I think you need to go to pain management". ... thanks and best of luck.

Aug 29, 2011
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My experience!!
by: Stephanie

Let me start by saying I had an epidural with my first son 12 yrs ago it was great. I had an epidural with my 2nd 9 1/2 yrs ago & I have had lower back pain ever since!! I dont blame the epidural I blame the dummy that stuck me with it!! I dont think it has anything to do with age or how active you are. They are working with very little room for mistake when they give an epidural one little slip of the needle can mean injury. Has I was laying on my side I could feel the needle grinding on my spinal cord(it wasnt like that the first time.) I'm laying there screaming & begging for them to stop & my leg was twitching & the anesthesiologist is yelling at me to be still. I have fought with this for over 9yrs. Xray after Xray always the same answer "they xrays dont show any injury" Well my latest trip to ER this past Fri & a refusal of Xray lead to CT of the lower spine. CT says Degenerative Disk Disease! Of course I was told that this was not possibly linked to the epidural 9 yrs ago. Well I think it is & I'm on a mission to prove it. Never had back pain until that day.

Aug 27, 2011
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Epidural
by: Anonymous

Yes.It is because of the epidural.

Aug 04, 2011
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Back Pain
by: Anonymous

I too have been a victim of this lower back pain for the past 6 years. I was very active for most of my younger years up until I had my first child. I never had any type of back pain or aches only accept during my menstrual cycle. I am not a big fan of pain and can't handle it well. I was only 18 when I became pregnant with my first child so I read up on epidurals and how they numb you and you feel no pain I was really considering getting the epidural throughout my whole pregnancy. When it came time for me to have my baby I was ready to get the epidural when the first signs of the contractions started. The anesthesiologist had no problem what so ever putting it in or anything the only pain I felt was from the numbing needle which was only a little sting. After that the epidural did amazing I didn't feel a thing but was able to deliver my daughter. After a few weeks I noticed I was getting back pain more frequently but not very serious. Three years later I became pregnant with my second child I was so happy with the outcome of the first epidural that I wanted to get it again with my second child. This time didn't go as smoothly as the first. When the anesthesiologist inserted the tube in my back I felt the whole thing and when it reached my lower back it was excruciating pain! I felt so much pressure and a large pinch that brought tears to my eyes. After that the epidural didn't really numb me no more than a regular anesthetic I felt the contractions and the whole birth of my child the pain was just lessened a little. Over the years I have been having this awful pain in my lower back on and off. The worst being so bad that I double over and can't hardly move or stand up. I feel like someone has a knife in my back and if I stand up straight or make a quick move they push it in deeper it just feels so sharp! It's in the same spot I felt the pain of the epidural I don't know if that is what is causing my pain but would like to know some answers. Even sitting or lying down hurts. Sometimes it's hard for me to get out of the bed. I am only 24 years old and am experiencing this bad of pain now I can't imagine when I get in my 60's. Needless to say if I had it to do all over again I would have never gotten that second epidural.

Jul 20, 2011
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I feel your pain
by: Anonymous

I too had an epidural in 1994 and since then I have suffered from back pain.
I have seen many, many physios but I am still struggling, I am now even using a stick to walk with, I cant do much, I cant stand for long, sit for long and even laying down for too long leaves me stiff and in pain.

When the doctors were giving me my epidural it took them 7 attempts to do it due to me being pregnant with twins and contracting every 5 minutes, in the end I had to have an emergency c section via general anaesthetic due to my epidural wearing off (after all that!!) I was flat out in bed for a day after the birth and then when they tried to get me up I blacked out, I had to have a blood patch done, this seemed to work but 2 days later I blacked out again and had another blood patch done, I feel this treatment resulted in my back pain.

In the last 3 years the pain has intensified and is ruling my life, i am only 38 but I act more like i am 98, my life is so restricted and no one seems to want to help me, I cant afford private health care so I am hoping the nhs will help me, I have been seeing yet another physio but I am praying they will refer me to a specialist, surely in this day and age there must be some solution?!!

I really do feel for anyone suffering, it's ruining my life :(

Jun 11, 2011
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Epidural back pain
by: Whitney

So here this whole time I was embarassed when I my kids call my dad to come over and help me cause I got stuck bending over picking up a piece of cheese from the fridge. I dont remember severe pain with my 1st c-section and epidural,after my 2nd daughter c-section with epidural I had severe lower back pain that would prevent me from bending over even the slightest to change a diaper on a changing table not a bed. This pain has never fully gone away, everyday I wake up with pain however over the years I have adapted to the pain except for approx 2 times a week the pain is so bad I can get stuck bending over 3-6 inches. Its a dull pain all over even into the butt along with a burning pain about the size of a pea that I can point to with my finger, same place everytime. I can point to the area of pain as I type this and my pain is going on 11 years . Im 30 yrs old and complain more than my parents. I do believe there is a issue and one day I hope they figure it out. Restless nights, numb areas, cronic pain back, severe back pain, have lead to a domino effect in my lifestyle.

Jun 01, 2011
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Epidural back Problems
by: Anonymous

After speaking and listening to many many women whom have had the epidural during child birth. I think the government in the UK really need to look into this more and perhaps do an investigation or at least some sort of study, as only time will tell to the full impact this has after having the epidural during childbirth.
The cons surely seem to outwieight the pro in these cases.

Jun 01, 2011
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I too experience back pain due to epidural
by: Anonymous

I had my son 6 years ago, prior to that time I had no back problems. I was told by others who previously had an epidural that once you receive it you would experience back problems. I expressed my concerns with my doctor, she assured me it would be fine. While the technician was injecting me, she hit a nerve and I jumped. Ever since this procedure I have had stiffness and pain in my lower back during my menstrual cycle or if I stand for long periods.

May 29, 2011
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epidural pain
by: Anonymous

I have 6 children and with my 8 year old son i had an epidural. I have severe pain in the area of the epidural. I can fall asleep at night but i am awakened with severe pain to the point it makes me cry, and I literally can't move. My husband will wake up and grab my hand and not give me a chance to move slow......I have to move quickly as the pain is so bad. I have not talked to my dr. about this because i don't want her telling me that it has nothing to with the epidural, when i know for a fact it does.

May 10, 2011
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i am suffering.
by: la-la

On march 25,2010, i had my first epidural. In 2005 i had a spinal block done and didn't have any problems, but this time it was different. 6 days after the delivery of my daughter the pain began. it started at the edidural site and radiated to the top of my spine and back down to my tailbone. the pain curled me down to the grown in the fetal position. now over a year later the pain is still there. it is also aggrivated by stress, overactivity, or even coughing.

May 06, 2011
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Epidural went wrong...
by: Anonymous

Well what a surprise...I have several ruptured discs..being a very active man my whole life {52 yrs old} things happen..I had a serious flare up of T7 last July and ended up getting an epidural cortisone shot in Feb. 2011...well that has been a mess...after 2 months of screaming pain, muscle spasms and INJECTION site pain that has been interesting to say the least..I have concluded the injection went horribly wrong. I have been to an Osteopath, PT, an accupuncture for 2 months now plus a lot of pain meds since July 2010...not much if any improvement... the Dr. that gave me the shot wouldn't even see me for the "pain" offered another shot though...this is not the first time in my life I've had severe spine pain..I cured myself with Yoga the first time and hope that will with very aggressive action I can do it again.
Bless you all and I raise a glass {of PURE USA Bourbon} to all who suffer and heal.

Apr 13, 2011
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Oral Steroids
by: JD

My doctor recently prescribed an oral steroid for back pain that I developed as a result of bending over my bathroom sink while standing on a new wood spa mat I got for Christmas. The mat raises me 2 inches off the floor and apparently bending the way I was to brush my teeth when standing on the mat put a strain on my back....Anyway, when the steroid treatment was complete I noticed that in addition to the lower back pain, a pain I had in my left knee had also disappeared. I later realized the the tailbone pain I've been suffering since my 2008 epidural is virtually gone. I now experience only slight discomfort when standing from a sitting position. Prior to the steroids, I had to stand up very slowly and in stages until my tailbone relocated. My guess is that the steroid shrank the inflamation in several parts of my body. I wasn't too excited about the prospect of steroid treatment but I am glad I took it given the unexpected benefits.

Apr 13, 2011
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Epidural over 20 years ago
by: Anonymous

Back in the 80's, epidurals had just been introduced to the hospital I was in at the time, even though they have been around for many years and called by various other names. I was having my 1st child and was in the early stages of labour for many many hours. I was talked into having an epidural, the pain of having it inserted was worse than the last stages of labour. After having this done I was later in a wheelchair for a while I could not walk whatsoever, 7 years later and being a young and very active fit person, I ditched the wheelchair. After investigations, I was informed that the epidual had done this to me and the vertebrae in the base of my spine was affected. It took years to get over but I managed. I was also informed that i would get used to the pain eventually and I did, but the older I am getting the worse the pain is to the point I am crippled by the intensity of the pain at the main site, with dull ache down the rest of my legs. So yes an epidural is a quick pain relief in childbirth, yet I swore never to have another one. And the long term effects to certain indivduals it does more harm than good, so I would urge women to think wisely as that certain person could be you. My daugher in law had one too 7 months ago, and she does not have any problems whatsoever ;-) It swings and roundabouts I guess.

Apr 06, 2011
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same
by: Anonymous

I had an epi and a spinal 15 months apart. My fist,my son, was an epi, and I had to have an emergency c section afterwards wasn't so bad, I had dull lower back pain but nothing real bad, until I got preg wit my daughter then my back started hurting a lil more at the site. But the extreme pain came when they did my spinal for my planned c section for my daughter, when he inserted it I was in severe pain then it died away. Afterwards it would hurt off and on and would go numb at the site now my daughter is 7 mos old and I'm am having constant pain. It hurts to lay on it, if I stand for periods of time my back goes into a spasm, the injection site is where all the pain starts. It hurts hold my 14 lb daughter for any length of time, to bend over, to walk. Every dr I talk to is no help they tell me the same thing. "It is impossible the spinal caused long term back pain"

Feb 04, 2011
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low back pain
by: Anonymous

17 yrs ago i had an epidural when i had a emergencey c-section.ever since i have had low back pain and spasms.if anything presses on the site where my epidural was placed i jump in pain.i have had one dr.agree with me that it was from the epidural,but other drs. dismiss it as either weight or tailbone,bull it was from the epidural which had to be put in twice.drs. should investigate this pain further and tell woman why..

Dec 10, 2010
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back and tailbone pain/RLS from c-section
by: Anonymous

I definitely agree and can identify fully with all of the comments I've read here. I was in induced labor for 50+ hours with an unusually large baby (almost 12 lbs) and ultimately ended up getting a c-section, due to the doctor's inability to see the situation for what it was early on. Thanks to her, that was my first and last child. I have had chronic back pain for 14+ years around the area where the needle was put into my spine. Many mornings, can barely get out of bed, straighten up, and the pain makes me cry like a baby. I have been diagnosed with migraine headaches, restless leg syndrome and chronic back pain, all of which the doctors deny have anything to do with the hospital botching the birth of my son, and all of which started right after and radiate from the area where the needles were poked into my spine!! All they want to do is throw pills at me. I was a very active athletic person before I had my son, and now if I engage in rigorous physical activity, I am just about crippled up the following day, or several days after. If I had it to do over, I never would have went in that hospital, but found a good midwife and had my son at home. Thanks to all of you for your comments.

Nov 11, 2010
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14 years after still bad pain
by: Anonymous

I can say this ... I was 21 years old when I had my first son and I had a epidural. First off it did not even take and they had to shot me up with pain meds. I was a very active person before my child and after never have any back pain at all. The only problem I had was headaches all my life. After having the epidural I have had pain in the spot where they gave me the injection. I can place my finger right on it. There are times you cannot ever touch it because hurts so bad and it causes so much pressure it feels like it is flowing up my spine to my head. All this started after I had the epidural. When I had my second son I had him 100% natural and it was not bad at all. If I had done my research and had not listen to the doctors about the epidural I would of known your body produces a natural pain killers when giving child birth. But then again they did not have epidurals back in the good old days. So, now when I talk to this new moms to be I try to tell them just do it natural or with a mild pain med. The epidural is completely not worth it. So, I believe woman that have said they have had problem years after receiving a epidural there is no one that knows your body like you do. If there is no way you can have problem after having one why is it so important for you not to move when they are giving the injection? They make it sound like it they make one slight wrong movement your dead. I think it is just another way to not admit there is something with this. This is just my opinion. =p

Oct 14, 2010
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back pain due to epidural
by: Anonymous

I had my son 14yrs ago. I too had a epidural.The Doctor tried 4 times to get it in my back. About a year later my back went out. It felt as if my muscles were tearing apart. My back goes out about 3 times a year. And right now is one of those times. Doctors have told me that the epidural had no play in the problem. I strongly disagree. I never had back pain before. Sometimes I have to take steroids to correct the problem. This usualy helps my back for about a year, but then I gain 10 pounds due to the steroids. I wish the doctors would stop dismissing this and warn women of the back problems that can happen due to the epidural.

Sep 18, 2010
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Scoliosis from epidural
by: Anonymous

I have had 3 children, my first 2 I had natural but my last son I felt as if I was being crushed, I couldnt breathe. I asked for an epidural....That was a huge mistake. I had my son in 2006 and have been having problems ever since. I have recently been told that I have Scoliosis. I am 100% sure this was caused by the epidural. Has anyone had this happen to them?

Sep 12, 2010
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Two epidurals & one spinal
by: Kamille

I had two epidurals & one spinal during childbirth. They messed up all three times & the last time they actually hit my spinal cord. I never had a back pain in my life until these procedures & now it is a recurrent problem.

Today it's taking me five minutes to go from a seated position to standing because it hurts so bad.

May 29, 2010
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My doctor says different
by: Anonymous

I have given birth to 5 babies. 3 of those births I had an epidural.
During my 4th pregnancy, they tried and tried to get it in. I told them to stop because I felt sick. The guy came back in a few minutes later and asked if I could move my legs. I said yes and he said GOOD!

He then came back in and by luck of the needle it was in. And I delivered 20 minutes later.. 10 minutes of pain relief...

My last pregnancy it wasn't so bad with the epidural. But I have had chronic lower back pain for the last 9 years (first epidural in 2001). There are times my husband has to pull me out of bed because the pain is so great and it takes me forever to get past it to move. I have tried sleeping in chairs, sleeping on my side with pillows between my legs, I've tried no pillows .. I have tried everything possible.

After 9 years of this I found a new doctor, she addressed all of my concerns and problems. And agreed with me that the epidural, or the multiple x's of it being inserted wrong, is the source.

I could never really understand WHY in the heck they do the epidural when you are in the most pain of your life. Wouldn't it be easier for the mom, less stress for the baby & mom if it were done as soon as you are admitted? They are doing that here at our local hospital now.

My followup appointment is in a week.

May 16, 2010
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Epidural RLS
by: Anonymous

I had an epidural 34 years ago and have chronic back pain ever since. I have now had it progress to restless leg syndrome....I hate the medical system big time....
AL

May 12, 2010
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disagree
by: Natalie

I disagree with the writer of this.
I had my son in oct 06 and because they were losing his heartbeat they wanted to put an epidural in so could see if relaxed him a bit. The anaesthetist had to place my epidural in 5 times because getting wrong place so bent over whilst having contractions for bout 40 mins wasnt good.
3 and a half years later i still have problems, I cannot sit on a floor or at a computer desk, bend over for too long or carry things for long periods of time because i get pain in my lower back which aches and sometimes feels like contractions, I also get pulsating pain going from the lower spine all the way up along to the top of the spine which at times catches my breath.
I dont agree that you cannot get problems from epidurals as my back was perfectly fine before i got preg!!

Mar 28, 2010
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P.S.tailbone pain
by: JD

I left the earlier comment about tailbone pain and wanted to add that I just returned from a vacation in Antigua. I swam quite a bit and have found that my tailbone pain has been reduced by about half ever since.

Mar 28, 2010
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Tailbone Pain
by: Anonymous

I am with you ladies 110%. After not dialating for 2 days and 2 12-hour rounds of cervadil, I elected to deliver my daughter by c-section 2 years ago. I now have the most awful pain in my tailbone (coccyx) when I go to stand up after sitting. I believe there is a serious conspiracy going on in the obstetric profession as every singly ob/gyn I have asked about this insists it is unrelated to having had an epidural. On the other hand, I have met at least 5 women who say they experience the same pain and also immediately after having had an epidural- including my female internist! I have read: "Most coccyx pain is caused by the coccyx dislocating when you sit. Coccyx pain is often caused by falling backwards or by childbirth, though the cause of pain is unknown in about a third of cases. It makes it very painful to sit down. There are effective treatments available, and the great majority of sufferers can be cured." Best of luck healing!

Mar 21, 2010
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Years after the epidural...
by: Rachel (MN)

I have 2 children, my son will be 6 in July & my daughter will be 3in June. When i had my son the epidural the placement was good & worked just fine, dont even remember 1/2 that labor lol. Then came my daughter, this was a totally diff. story. After her being a week late they induced me, and it was a very long 27hrs. of back labor! After reaching 4cm. i couldnt take the pain anymore, so i requested the epidural.
After the pain i had already been in for 12hrs. they tried the 1st placement, the doc. missed the space & had to try again. After 45mins. of sitting crunched over, while contracting.. and the 2nd & finally 3rd attempt, he finally got it in the correct place.
The contractions eased a little, but nothing too satisfying.. and they ended up coming on full force when it was time for her to make her entrance to the world.
Since then, especially around "that time of the month" i get severe back pain, that literally feels like im having back contractions again & i have to breath through them.
Im with everyone else on this topic when doctors say that there is no known relation to the epidural & the back pain we feel, i think its b.s.!! i NEVER had back pain like this before.. and now theres nothing i can do for the pain. it sucks, but my daughter is worth it.

Mar 08, 2010
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Back pain
by: Same Boat

Both of my pregnancies had their issues my first was breach so he was a c-section and with my daughter I just had a immense belly. I knew no matter what though that I didn't want anymore kids and discussed this with my doctor so I had the epideral got through the labor had her 3:30 in the morning and 5:30 that night was to be my tubal and since I was getting that done they left that dang thing in my back and just told me to move very carefully from the delivery room to my private room because the were just going to use the epideral for my tubal. Now years later my lower back is always bothering me a constant dull pain that intensifies with weather but every doctor I talk to always tells me that the epideral could not have caused this so it is very nice to know that I am not the only one going through this.

Jan 12, 2010
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long term back trouble
by: Anonymous

I had an epidural with my oldest son who is now 6 years old. I have major back problems right where the injection took place, especially during that "time" of month. There was a study that said epidurals have little or nothing to do with back pain. I think the person who wrote that was either on crack or heroin because if i had to do it over again, i would never have had that done...Matter of fact, with my second son I didn't. The anesthesiologist was in a procedure..My mother who is now in her eighties had five of us. I was the only one born in a hospital, therefore she had a epidural with me...She still has back problems to this day and I'm 44 years old....so YES I think epidural can cause long term problems with the back...

Nov 30, 2009
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epidural back pain
by: DANYEL

My youngest child is turning ten in four months each year my back pain gets worse and its where my injection for the epidural was. I had no back pain until the epidural. There is no one that can tell me its not from the epidural because im quite sure thats why my back hurts. Each winter when it gets cold the pain is so bad. It's actully getting cold where i live and ive been in excruciating pain for over a week now.

Sep 29, 2009
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post-epidural pain
by: Anonymous

I just had my 4th child, 4th epidural. The first 3 went fine, this last one only worked down the left side. The right side did not numb entirely. Now I am having lower back pain that comes and goes, but when it comes it is severe, throbbing almost debilitating pain. I have never had back problems before and all that I can figure is that this was directly resulting from my epidural.

Aug 09, 2009
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Epidural Pain
by: Anonymous

My name is Tammy I have 2 children and have had 2 epidurals. My first one went fine, but when I had my daughter when the needle first went in I felt severe pain. He then re-adjusted and inserted it again. I too only had numbness on one side and felt all of the contractions. For 4 hours after my delivery my left leg was still numb. I have had lower back pain ever since. It flares up and then will die down. I've never gotten a true diagnosis from my doctor or any that I have seen as to why I'm having this problem. I do believe it was because something went wrong with my epidural. I'm now pregnant with my 3rd child and for the past two weeks I've been in constant pain. I'm terrified that when I have this one it's going to cause more damage to my back. Honestly I'm glad to know I'm not the only one out here with issues like this. My doctor had made me feel like she's never heard of this before. Thanks for letting me vent and I hope this may help anyone else.

May 22, 2008
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Confused
by: Stacey

Just like Tammy I have had 3 epidurals. All of mine have been for labor. The first 2 went fine but the last delivery back in Nov 2007 gave me many problems. I was sitting uneven on the bed and told the doctor but he said that didn't matter. My epidural did not work. Only the left side was numb and I had full labor contractions on the right. When the epidural was given my left hip was higher then my right side. The first 2 days after delivery I could not use my leg or hip and was left in tremendous pain. For the most part it improved until this week when I was in the shower and evidently moved the wrong way. I have a hard time believing that my epidural did not cause this problem. Where do I go from here?

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