I'd like to help since I've had several epidural injections for lower back pain. However, I've had pain return after the epidurals because they did not work, but I'm not sure about pain over two years after it. I would check with a back specialist or osteopathy doctor to classify the pain you are feeling. It might be disc problems or nerve damage of some type. Get it checked out!

I've had 3 epidural but no continuing symptoms like the ones you describe. Perhaps these lower back apins are actually caused by something else. Where exactly is the pain located?

I've had 3 epidurals but no continuing symptoms like the ones you describe. Perhaps these lower back pains are actually caused by something else. Where exactly is the pain located?

Hi there,

I am going through the same thing and I too, think it was related to the epidural! Have you come across any answers from you GP or specialist? I thought I was dreaming this especially since the GP thinks that there's no need to worry about it. But, it's been a year and it's not gone away. The OB said that the symptoms should fade away after 6 mos but it's now almost a year without any change.

You are not alone. Let's figure this out?

The type of epidural that both gwennan and M56789 are talking about are not the same type of epidural injections that are given for spinal issues.

They are talking about an epidural given for anesthetic pain relief during childbirth, i.e. labor and delivery. This is an injection of anesthetic that totally numbs the woman's body from the waist down.

ESI are epidural steroid injections that given for spinal pain from a medical spinal problem. This type of injection involves a small amount of lidocaine and a steroid. After it is given, you have full feeling from your waist down, can get up and walk around and function.
Not so, immediately after being given and epidural during childbirth.

As for the problem they are having, it is quite possible that when the epidural injection was given, the long needle that was used may have hit on the vertebrae and bruised the bone of the vertebrae.
If that is the case, it can take several years for the pain to go away.

I would suggest that at this time, you both consider seeing a spinal specialist and see if with an MRI or CT they can determine what is causing the pain.

It could just be a coincidence and that you already had a spinal problem and just had no symptoms. After childbirth, the changes in the body that occured during pregnancy may have contributed to now being symptomatic instead of having no symptoms.

You should at least be able to get a diagnosis about what is causing the pain and you can only get that by seeing a spinal specialist.

Good luck

Fran

I have had a similar problem. My first Epi went in on the first attempt and I had slight soreness for 2 weeks. Had my 2nd daughter 2 yrs ago and it took the guy 5 attempts to get it in. He tried in one place 3 times then moved up my spine a little and to the right for the other 2. I have pics of my bruised back and you can count the holes! That night I was in excruciating pain. And for agonizing for 2 days. Its a wonder I didn't get hooked in pain meds! My back STILL hurts 2 years later and I have a 4 to 5 inch section that has always gone numb if I lean over too far! I have wanted to go to a Doc but keep putting it off. Does anyone else go numb and is it normal?
To make matters worse about 6 months ago I fell backward in my hubby's boat and that part of my back is what caught my fall. (Thought I had broke my back!) Now it hurts worse and radiates into my right hip. The last two nights it is really bad especially to right of my spine is a really sore spot. Do I go to a Chiroprater or a reg Dr?

Kandmsmom,

None of your symptoms or what happened with the birth of your second doctor are normal.

No, No, you should not go to a chiropractor.

You need to see a spine specialist. Either an orthopedic surgeon that specializes in spines only or a neurosurgeon that specializes in spines.

You need a full evaluation my a spinal specialist to determine what happened to your spine 2 years ago and what is going on now.

Numbness that you describe is indicative of nerve compression, especially if it radiates down to your hip.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Fran

Thank you Fran for your answers. I too had an epidural in October 2007 when I had my daughter. The discomfort/pain went away as the doctors said it would about 6 months after the delivery. I've been fine with occasional discomfort/pain when I've slept wrong. Up until 2 or 3 days ago. The pain is suddenly back. Tonight I had my aunt and my husband look at my spine where it hurts and they saw what they describe as 2 or 3 very small spider bites on my spine. I am really starting to worry about this because I am experiencing numbing sensations in my left hand and on the skin on my stomach. Also, for the past week and a half I have been breaking out in hives on my arms legs and stomach when I take hot showers or am in the heat for too long. Can anyone comment... I could use any input. Thanks
Sheena

Sheena,

Sounds like you should see your primary doctor to see about those marks on your spine that your are describing as "small spider bites". Find out what they might be.

Also wouldn't hurt to get a referral to a spine specialist to see what is going on as you should not be having any spinal pain after having an epidural during labor with your daughter, this far after having her.

As for the hives you are having. Well, it isn't as uncommon as one might think.

People have or develop sensitivity to heat and hot water. My daughter went through a period of many years during her pre teen, teen and into college years where she would break out in hives from sweating and taking showers that where "hot".

We took her to primary and to a dermatologist and it was found that she was "allergic to her own sweat and heat".

For many years she had to take antihistamines/decongestants when it got warm to hot outside and had to take showers with much cooler temps so that she didn't get covered in hives.

Was not an easy thing for her to deal with at first. My "tomboy daughter" was an athlete and for a while it put a damper on her sports activities, but once it was under control, it didn't stop her through middle, HS and college to be a varsity athlete and continue in sports.

Check both the spots, the hives out with your primary and then proceed with an evaluation with a spine specialist about he spinal pain.

good luck and let us know what happens.

Fran

I had my son over eight years ago. After three years of giving birth I started having severe pain in what it feels like in my spine. It didn't dawn on me that the pain is right where the epidural was placed until my son's father pointed it out. Most mornings I can't get out of bed without help. I have a hard time picking things up, bending, and turning. So Im with you! I am going to seek a doctors help as soon as my insurence kicks in. I think you need to do the same.

I def. agree that a spinal epidural can cause harm. I have had two. My first four years ago and never had any problems,my second was in Dec09 with my daughter and immediately after the epidural wore off I was in excruciating pain, of course the anasteologist will never take the fall for any screwups, however he made some mistake because I only had a one side epidural up until he fixed it 45 min before I had her thank GOD!!! He also said he never pushed that much pain meds into any patients and they were still feeling contractions??? hmmm big prob on your part doc, then admitted that he had been working all nite and might have placed it wrong, needless to say it was a nightmare, anyways since then I have had pain in my lower back Sacral area to midback right where the epidural was injestecd and placed, I also have pain and tingling shooting down my left leg (conveinetly the one side epidural for a lil while) I went to the Dr and they diagnosed me with Sciatica gae me a pain med and muscle relaxer and I go see an Ortho next week/ All of that being said I never have had back problems up until that second epidural and noone will convince me otherwise that it didnt have anything to do with that!!!
Good luck all,
Ashlee

It's now 3:00am and I'm awake once again from back pain which like you is sometimes accompanied by numbness and tingling (to one side).

I now recall collasping twice onto the bed weeks after the birth of my little boy and thought this was normal accept that in hindsight it doesn't really make sense as I didn't actually have the injection. In fact it there were several attempts before they had to give up trying as I was so close to giving birth. I can remember my mum asking why there was so much blood.

Ironically, I did have reservations about having the injection and can recall asking the anethetist (who looked about 19) whether she was 'any good at this', to which she replied 'I've done five other epidurals today'. NOT SURE WHETHER THIS MADE HER A BIT NERVOUS, HOWEVER IT STILL DOES NOT JUSTIFY WHAT SEEMS TO BE AN ERROR. I'm going to see my GP in the morning and as someone has suggested will ask to see a specialist. It's a good thing that it's only been a year and a half so at least I can get some answers (HOPEFULLY)!

Has anyone else persued it and what were the findings and issues if any?

Sophia

My son is 2 1/2 years old. When I had my EPI it also took 5 tries, 4 injections in the same spot, and then had to remove the needle and try again. My doctor said it would be about six months for the sensation to go away, but it is still there. It feels tingly like insulation rubbed my skin in about a 6 in square area on the right side (coincidentally maybe) where my injections were. When my clothes touch it or water from showering touch it,or anything really, it is uncomfortable. I have never had back problems before.