Post-Epidural Pain

Updated on August 31, 2008
J.N. asks from Littleton, CO
19 answers

My daughter is almost 10 weeks old and my back is still sore from the epidural. At my 6 week check up my Dr. said everything looked normal. Should I still be concerned?

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So What Happened?

Thanks to everyone for your support! I think I'll give it a few more weeks and see the Dr. again. This was my first post and I am really grateful for all the support. Thanks!

Featured Answers

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G.H.

answers from Denver on

Try a chiropractor. It saved my back. I had the same issue. Something just got out of line. I am fine now thanks to him!!!

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H.S.

answers from Salt Lake City on

Unfortunately this is more common that women realize. I don't believe there is reason to be concerned as it is a normal side effect. There isn't much you can do to help it besides patience. I'm hope you feel better soon!

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N.W.

answers from Salt Lake City on

My daughter is almost 18 months and I still have pain... It's not constant like it used to be, but it still comes and goes. I talked to a chiropractor and she said it is actually really common...

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A.C.

answers from Lincoln on

I think its normal. WHen my daughter was born in 06 I had pain for months afterward. Now my son is 7wks old and I still also have pain. Pretty bad too but going away slowly. I think!

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T.G.

answers from Denver on

My hurt for about a year after. It will finally go away, but do stretching and yoga. That seemed to help! Take care!

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R.L.

answers from Provo on

After my first I had the back pain for around 3 months...I feel that it is just how the epidural is performed...my first epi was so different from my second and my second I only had pain for a couple of weeks.

It all eventually went away. If it is persistant for a long time I would talk to your doctor again and if you aren't satisfied with that you can seek a second opinion.

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C.S.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I had post epidural pain with my first son, possibly up to three months. I called the doctors office after just a few weeks and asked what I could do. I don't think they believed me, but they were nice nonetheless and told me to use a heating pad. Sometimes I still have pain on the side of my spine depending on how I move or if I stress my back and it has been almost six years. Good luck!

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D.F.

answers from Pueblo on

Being sore like that for MONTHS after an epidural is actually a side effect that they don't tell you about. It's normal, it does pass, and I wouldn't be concerned.

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M.M.

answers from Denver on

I went through a similar experience with both of my girls. I had a horrible pain in my right shoulder, so bad I couldn't get out of bed until my husband rubbed it out and I was fairly sore in my lower back for awhile. I didn't think it was caused from the epidural until it happened in the same exact place when I had my second. I just rested and drank lots of water and it will eventually go away. You have to remember that your body went through a lot giving birth and it takes time to heal. Congratulations on your girl! We love having girls!

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A.R.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I would say yes only because my co-workers daughter got a staph infection from her epidural. I would see another doctor.

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E.D.

answers from Salt Lake City on

My epidural pain from my first pregnancy lasted about 4 to 6 months. It will go away. Take ibuprofen or tylenol or something. It hurts, though. Sorry!

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C.C.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I had back pains after my dd and was concerned it was from the epidural, my doctor was a osteopathic doctor, and when I mentioned it to him he did an exam and told me I threw my back out in labor he popped it back in and gave me a muscle relaxer for the next couple of days and warned me it could be thrown out again if I wasn't careful for a while as it healed. So it wasn't the epi after all...and unlike a chiropractor he "adjusted" my back in one visit. It was amazing the difference. just a thought but if your dr. isn't a bone doc. they may not know what to look for? it might be worth having that checked out.

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M.B.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I had a spinal for a c-section and it hurt for an entire year. My Dr. recommended physical therapy (like a new mom has time for that) to help with back pain, but I never went. I could feel a sore spot every time I touched it, but it did eventually go away. However, if I run or jump I can still feel it now (3 years later). I wish I had advice to help you. Good Luck!

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A.M.

answers from Denver on

I had the same thing. I noticed it when I swam and sometimes when I picked up my son, basically any time I stretched my back in a certain way. It lasted for about four months or so. I agree with everyone's responses in that it just takes time for your body to heal after giving birth, but it definitely was not something they told me about.

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K.P.

answers from Denver on

I sure do sympathize, mine hurt for about 6 months. It was so annoying that I delivered my next two kids naturally. The pain was intense of course, but it was gone immediately after delivering and recovery was much easier. Hang in there.

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H.R.

answers from Colorado Springs on

I am not sure if it is normal or not, but I had the same problem after both of my epidurals. It took months for the pain to stop. But consider, they stuck a pretty hefty tube into your back, so I would expect it to hurt for a while. Give it a little more time, then see your DR again.

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N.J.

answers from Salt Lake City on

Try some Chiropractic, and a little Yoga, it's a bit of strength training that help relieve some of the pain. It's not a cure-all, but it helps.

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S.K.

answers from Denver on

My back was only sore until my 6 week appt or a little after . My back was super sore and still is now from holding my son and from the weight in my breasts from breastfeeding! My doctor assured me that my back was probably not from the epidural at this point any more. I am not sure if this helps or not. I would check with your doctor for sure!

S.

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J.P.

answers from Denver on

There are natural ways to ease the pain...try a plantain pack at the spot of the epidural...it pulls the medicine out of your spinal chord and eases the pain...you can get it at Vitamin Cottage.

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