Epidural Pain

Hi J.,
This happened to me with both kids. The pain stayed for a bit, but does go away after a while.

Hello J. P.
From my experince as a chiropractor, I have had this complaint present about 6 times over the past 10 years in practice. The best explanation I have come up with (not consitent with any medical Journals) is: Scaring at the site of injecton resulting on tension of the spimal cord, localized inflammation causing the muscles to guard or splint the region. That combination can pressure the surrounding strucutes i.e. discs, ligaments, joints thus causing pain. Chiropractic and acupuncture are both worth a try.
My sister had this and did get full resolution with chiro (not me unfortunately, she lives in NY). I don't know if that helped you and once again, only my opinion. Good luck.
Dr. Estner

Hi J.,

I haven't had an epidural for childbirth, but I have had spinal anesthesia for a couple of surgeries and have experienced the same thing. I was seeing a massage therapist for a while and he said that in his experience it is fairly common. I could feel where the injection site was when he massaged my back and from time to time I get sore there. It is better than it was, like you said it was never excruciating. The explanation from the chiropractor feels right to me. I've just kinda accepted it as one of the funny things about my body. I hope that you are able to find some answers that work for you, but you are not the only one out there!

Hi J.,
I have chronic pain in my back after having my child three years ago. I too had the epidural. Massage Therapy helps me a lot with the appropriate rest and stretching. I believe that scar tissue forms at the injection point and refers pain to the lower back. I would visit a spine center and talk to a doctor if it is to the point where it is unbearable for you to function. Look up some local rehab hospitals and ask them for a spine center in your area. An appropriate diagnostic imaging technique should often be able to locate the cause of the pain. Hope this helps! Good Luck.
D.

Having just finished a rotation shadowing an anaesthesiologist--I'd say contact him/her (whoever did the epideural) about the residual pain. It is possible that the injection area is still leaking fluid of blood--in which case, a "patch" might be better than "waiting it out." You should not have any residual pain at the site, and it's better to see if you can get it fixed up before it turns into headaches or anything else--if you can find the doctor, and have them "fix" it. good luck!

Hi J.,

I had a similar pain after an epidural. Mostly I felt it when I stretched backward it lasted about a year. I think it was like an internal "bruise". I would not worry about a "leak". An epidural shouldn't leak unless the actual "dura" was penetrated as in a spinal. This is possible, but not likely as you would probable experiencing headaches which are alleviated by laying flat and aggravated by standing.

Best Wishes,

J. L.

I've heard of known people that terrible long term side effects from epidurals I personally don't have experience w/ it because I didn't get one w/ either child. I would suggest you go see a chiropractor I've found that going to the chiropractor helps w/ the back and pelvic pain that I get right before a period so maybe it will help you too.

it happens all the time, and honestly, you are lucky, it's often much worse, resulting in major headaches and more. They should treat it, maybe with a patch. Insist on help for it. Although research those options too b/c sometimes the cure is as bad or worse than the original. But it can be serious and have neurological consequences, so please don't blow it off. good luck.