Back Pain After Epidural....8 Months!!!!

Updated on January 30, 2008
J.B. asks from Saint Paul, MN
10 answers

I had an epidural with my second son who was born in May. He is now 8 months and I still have pain in the exact spot where the epidural went in. My back doesn't hurt anywhere else but that spot and if it is pressed on or if I bump anything in that area it shoots a sharp pain throughout my back....what is going on??? I've asked my primary care doctor and also my OBGYN...they don't know why I am feeling pain there still after 8 months...has this happened to anyone else???
Thanks!
J.

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P.K.

answers from Minneapolis on

I had pain as well, and my pain shot through my right butt cheek as well and made it feel like a dull knife was in my back. I can't remember when it went away, but I remember it was at least 6 months, because I went back to work at 6 months and sat at my desk in pain. The pain is gone now. My doctor said it was because there was a nerve that was effected by the needle going in and that it would probably pass in time.

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J.B.

answers from Minneapolis on

my problem wasn't exactly the same but i had pain in my lower back and part of my left leg was numb almost as if the epidural didn't wear off - but this was 2 years later!! I finally saw a chiropractor as neither the doctor not the physiotherapist had been able to help. My chiropractor had resolved both issues within a few months.

hope you are able to get some help!

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M.K.

answers from Minneapolis on

Hi J.,

Just to add to everyone else that after I had an epidural for my c-section, I had mild to medium pain for about 1 1/2 years in the same place you describe. It did go away eventually, but my midwife seemed incredulous that I felt that way for so long. Then, she later had a baby and had to have a c-section and told me she was experiencing the same thing!!!

If it means anything, my daugher is almost four and I no longer feel anything in that area. Hope yours goes away too. To add to a posting below, my mother is an RN and always raves about the acupunture and alternative therapies that Woodwinds Hospital uses. Chiropractors have the lowest malpractice insurance of any doctor because they have the lowest incidences of medical mistakes. Try one if you haven't yet, they can really help and are very safe.

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S.P.

answers from Minneapolis on

Hi J.,

I had a similar problem after my first child. Mine felt like a really deep bruise but quite painful. I couldn't even sit on the floor to change a diaper, or lay flat on my back, when I would sit up my back would hurt so bad. I went to the doctor as well and even had X-rays taken and nothing. My doctor suggested back exercise, I was a little skeptical but put exercise (cardio) into my day really started to help. I also would lay on the floor on my stomach and raise my right arm and left leg at the same time and then the opposite arm and leg. This helped me so much and the good news is that I have two more children and it never happened again. Good luck.

Mother of 3, Jackson(6) Chloe(3) Reagan(11mo)and a grown up child(Husband) whom I love to death.

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M.T.

answers from Minneapolis on

J.-
You are not alone! I too have a little pain in the spot where my epidural was three months ago, but it feels more like a bruise than a shooting pain when I press on it. I can also feel it when I extend backwards...It is weird, but hopefully it will fade over time.

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M.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

This happened to me both times I had them. With my first son, I was in pain for about a year and it subsided when I finally lost the weight. With my second son, it was alot worse, and at 9 months, I was diagnoised with Fibromyalgia. I did alot of vitamin D and hot soaks in the tub and spa (at the local hotel). I also started losing weight and it got better. My doctor couldn't figure it out either. I guess take some extra vitamin d and a hot pack when you have a chance to sit ;)

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J.

answers from Minneapolis on

I had the same experience with my first born. It was a good 6-8 months until what felt like my tailbone wasn't sore anymore. The second baby I had without one and I recovered much more quickly. I still have an ache there in the tailbone region if I sit for prolonged periods and my oldest will be 5 in a few weeks. Labor was shorter without the epidural and I was able to push better as well. In hindsight (no pun intended) I wouldn't recommend it...

J. , age 41

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L.B.

answers from Minneapolis on

Hi, J.,

I had back pain and back problems after my epidural with my first child for a full year. My doc at the time, unfortunately had no advice to give, nor was very supportive. Needless to say I refused an epidural with my next two pregnancies, and honestly didn't miss it.

So I'm sorry I don't have any advice to give you :( Other than to say you're not alone.

Liz

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A.M.

answers from Minneapolis on

I kind of have at least a similar problem with my epi site. It doesn't hurt all the time, just if I bend a bit too far or if I press on it. I feels more like an annoying bruise. My doctor said that it can take a while yet to stop hurting and it is due to inflammation around the injection. But for me I wouldn't say it's painful.

since it is causing you so much pain maybe you should get a different medical opinion and see a chiropractor. Hopefully you can get this taken care of soon.
I'm sorry you hurt

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L.C.

answers from Minneapolis on

Hey J.. You need to go get checked by your MD, just to make sure that there isn't something serious going on - like a small CSF (Cerebro Spinal Fluid - the stuff that's in your spinal canal) leak. This could also cause pain. I had pain after my epidural - no CSF issues, but I still experience some weakness in that area of my spine as well. You could also see a chiropractor or Natural Medicine Specialist, and acupuncture (not as scary as people think) may also help, there are many practitioners out there now, and I know that Woodwinds Hospital (Woodbury) has an actual Natural Care Center that has actual doctors that specialize in homeopathic & natural medicine. Just a thought! Good luck dear!

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