Post-epidural Back Pain

I didn't have this difficulty, but I had short-term numbness from the IV insertion. It was very painful, but eventually went away. My niece had the pain from the epidural and says that it definitely got much much better over time, but that if she sits still too long (rare w/ three little ones) or if she turns the wrong way, it flares-up. Her doctor said that it's normal to have on-going pain from the injection.

One of the possible risks/side effects of an epidural is longterm back pain. Some women seek physical therapy for this. Speak with your doctor about your options. Good luck.

M.,
I don't want to scare you or anyone else, but I stongly do NOT beleive this discomfort will ever go away. This November will be 9 years I had my 1st one with my son and I'm still in pain. I will say, the idiot that did mine, missed the 1st 3 times. Yes, you're reading this correctly. He missed 3 times. Thanks God he got it in on the 4th try or I would've completely passed out at that point. My husband, a police officer and who sees a lot, had to walk away to the bathroom because he got sick. The nurse was yelling at this guy to stop and he wouldn't. I've never been right after that. I'm back going to the chiropractor and it's giving my some relief. When it was time to have my daughter, I opted no epidural or meds and I thought I was going to die. Unfortunately, I didn't have a choice in the end because she wasn't coming so they had to go in for her! At that point, I had switched Drs and hospitals so I was fine, but VERY nervous. Seek advise from a back specialist to see if there's any type of stretching you can do. I wish you the best of luck because I know, almost 9 years later, what you're going through. Feel better and God Bless your new bundle of joy!!!
~J.

I experienced the same thing but it did eventually go away, it just took longer than I expected (maybe 6 months or so). Obviously, if you are concerned ask your doctor.

i did, it lasted a long time but went away eventually

Place your mind at ease. Yes, the sensation does go away. I does take time.

It may or may not go away. After my 1st 2 boys, I had no recurring back pain. Now, 3 years after my 3rd child, I still feel soreness near the epidural sight. Good luck to you!

Hi M...I had an epidural with my son 2 yrs ago....I could tell you the exact spot they inserted the needle for about 6 -9 months after giving birth. Yes it felt like a bruise and was sore...when I asked my ob about it they said it wasn't normal but if it didn't go away after 9 months then to call them again. But one day it did go away. Thankfully! :)

Yes I did experience this for awhile after a terrible epidural experience which required 2 error attempts. I would get sharp pains at the site. The pain eventually went away after a few months. Make sure to tell your OBGYN.

I had the same pain and honestly it didn't go away for 4 years until I got my next epidural when I had my second kid...it was like they canceled each other out or something and I didn't have the pains anymore.

Hi M.,
I have a similar problem, except it is a numb spot from the spinal. It centers around my tail bone. it has not gone away. I fell asleep between the time they said to hold still and the stick. I jumped.

Very possibly they may have damaged a nerve or two on the way in. If you are lucky, you may have cessation of pain. If not, you may have this spot on your back for a long time.

As far as I know, I have no recourse, since I signed something that said if they goof, they are covered.

Good luck,
M.

this happened to me with my first. exactly the pain you are describing. it eventually went away, but i remember it took a lot longer than i expected. good luck and congrats!

Yes, yes, yes!! I had exactly the same feeling, more after my first child than my second because the dr had to go prodding around in order to get it in the spot. I had a bruising sensation, exactly like you said, for gosh, probably six months or so? It did go away and in fact, I didn't even think of it again until I just read your email (I guess that's why God makes us forget the pain from child birth...so we will do it again, right?!) Good luck....if the pain doesn't go away in a few months on its own though I would definitely let your OB know about it!