Back Pain After C-section: Anyone Else Have?

Updated on August 01, 2013
J.Z. asks from Valparaiso, IN
6 answers

I had a c-section with both of my kids with the most recent being about 16 months ago. I've noticed a few things I've had effected by my c-section and I'm wondering if the back pain I"m experiencing now could also be a result from the epidural. This isn't a first time thing, but on and off. I had similar pain after I had my oldest and when I went to the doctor, he said I was still walking with a bit of an arched back like I was pregnant still. I found out a week later I was actually pregnant with my youngest. I had been given exercises for my back and have been doing them, but no help or relief. My husband suggested maybe it was something to do with the epidural because of where the pain is radiating from.

I'm wondering if anyone else that's had a c-section has experienced this? If so, were you able to find any relief and if so, how? I'm not a fan of taking pain meds. I've used a heating pad which has been the best help so far. If I sit or lay too long I end up in a lot more pain, stiff, difficulty standing and the pain goes into my legs.

What can I do next?

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S.S.

answers from Chicago on

I remember some pretty bad back pain and although I had one c section I did have two separate operations almost the solve female problems and uterine cancer. One of the things besides the meds, hot baths, etc. is take a look at your shoes. A lot of women are totally baffled (myself included) on what a slight quarter inch on a shoe heel or lift can do to your back. Examine how you hold your children. Are they hip babies? Straight up front? If you walk concentrate on your stomach being pulled in. As far as an epidural goes I would think by now that would be long gone, but there are loads of other things. Noticing that you have two little ones-well, wow that is stressful and our bodies do all sorts of things. How do you sleep? My back hurts sometimes from the way I sleep or perhaps my mattress. Maybe keep a diary for awhile to see when the pain goes. And as always, check it out with the doctor if it continues. I have heard other stories about back pain. Oh my goodness could go on and on. Would it be that it is as simple as an epidural. Maybe check your insurance for a chiropractor? Good luck. Back pain is the absolute worst of anything I can think of.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.H.

answers from Chicago on

After having both my kids I had to see the chiro..He did the adjustments and excercises. Now I feel like a new womnan and I don't have to go very often.. It has been over a year now.

X.O.

answers from Chicago on

Sounds like you might have a disc issue. Have you tried a chiropractor? Although my husband is an MD and I could just get a scrip from him for pain meds, I don't believe in doing that as a first course. He gave me the name of a great chiropractor that he refers his back pain patients to, and I have gone to him numerous times over the past 4 years. My own MD was talking about the possibility of surgery, but the chiropractor helped me immensely and I haven't had to take a single pill for my back problems in 2 years.

I have had 3 c-sections, but I know the pain was not related to the epidural. The chiropractor taught me how to coax the disc back into its proper position when I have an acute episode. He also taught me core strengthening exercises which have helped a ton.

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T.A.

answers from Seattle on

Yup, see a chiropractor. And ice, not heat! Heat increases inflammation, you can use it first to relax but end with ice. 15 minutes each. It could be your back, it could be something from labor if you labored, or it could just be that your core is "off" because of the muscle separation. If you have any continued separation, that could also affect it. It should get better with these things, and with core/stomach exercises when you're able to do them.

M.M.

answers from Chicago on

You have the condition that my chiropractor very technically refers to as "mommy back". :)

Go find one that you like and get yourself right.
Between the c-section, carrying your kids, and being pregnant, your core is shot and most likely out of alignment. And when that happens, it's starts to radiate down your back...eventually into your knees and ankles, etc...

I see my chiro every 2 weeks and have for the last 5 years. Mine is covered by insurance 100%.
It's not a "see me 3x and we'll fix you" kind of thing. As long as you have little kids you're toting around, you're going to have this kind of problem.

So find someone you like, and go for regular adjustments and stretching.

J.W.

answers from St. Louis on

Never heard of a c section causing back pain but kids cause back pain.

I have not had a c section but I did have issues with one of my epidurals. Caused a wonderful headache for a couple weeks but that is about it.

If it is the same kind of pain as before it is a posture back issue. If you don't carry yourself properly it puts too much pressure on areas of your back. You really need to go see a chiropractor.

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