How long does back pain from epidural last

If you live in the Seattle and Ballard area and are experiencing epidural side effects after childbirth, such as shooting or burning pain, Glacier Chiropractic is ready to help. Back pain after an epidural is a widespread occurrence and can persist for weeks or even months after delivery. Fortunately, chiropractic care has helped many women find safe and natural pain relief from epidural side effects.

Back Pain & Pregnancy

Pregnancy and the birthing process are incredibly hard on the body, especially the back. The expectant mother’s posture changes as her abdominal muscles stretch and her ligaments and joints loosen in preparation for baby’s arrival, putting extra pressure on your spine.

The expanding uterus and weight of the baby also cause postural changes, which can lead to back pain and strain.

Motherhood Contributes To Postpartum Back Pain

Unfortunately for many new mothers, giving birth doesn’t result in back pain relief. Sometimes, back pain gets worse after delivery. There are multiple activities which can contribute to back pain after childbirth, including:

• Having An Epidural
• Pushing During Delivery
• Bending
• Carrying & Lifting Your Baby
• Rocking
• Holding Baby While Breastfeeding

Epidural Side Effects

Many women opt to have an epidural during labor, to help relieve the intense pain of childbirth. However, over 30% of mothers report side effects, including injection site pain, weak core muscles, hip or back instability, sharp pain while standing or sitting, and numbness or pain in the back.

Epidural back pain can make it harder to take care of baby. Breastfeeding moms are also often reluctant to take painkillers that might be passed along to a newborn.

Chiropractic Care For Back Pain After Childbirth

At Glacier Chiropractic in Seattle and Ballard, we can help you find relief from your epidural back pain. Whether you started seeing us during your pregnancy, or are seeking treatment as a new postpartum patient, we will tailor a treatment plan just for you.

Your postnatal chiropractic care will depend on the result of your initial examination and may include spinal adjustments as well as recommended stretches and exercises to help realign and strengthen your spine.

Get Relief From Epidural Back Pain

Don’t let that nagging epidural back pain interfere with the joys of motherhood. We are a family chiropractic practice and can also help your baby maintain excellent spinal health, so don’t hesitate to call our experienced and caring team for an appointment today.

An epidural is the most common type of anesthetic used for pain relief during labor. Here’s what you should know before having an epidural, including information that dispels some common myths.

How and when is an epidural for labor pain administered?

If you choose to have an epidural, an anesthesiologist will insert a needle and a tiny tube, called a catheter, in the lower part of your back. The needle is removed and the catheter left in place for delivery of the medication through the tube as needed. You can begin an epidural at any time during your labor — in the beginning, in the middle, or even toward the end — in consultation with your physician.

Does it hurt when the epidural is administered?

The anesthesiologist will numb the area where the epidural is administered, which may cause a momentary stinging or burning sensation. But because of this numbing, there is very little pain associated with an epidural injection. Instead, most patients will feel some pressure as the needle is inserted.

What does an epidural do?

An epidural provides anesthesia that creates a band of numbness from your bellybutton to your upper legs. It allows you to be awake and alert throughout labor, as well as to feel pressure. The ability to feel second-stage labor pressure enables you to push when it’s time to give birth to your baby. It can take about 15 minutes for the pain medication to work.

How long does the pain relief last?

You can continue to receive pain relief through an epidural for as long as you need it. The amount of medication you receive through the epidural can be increased or decreased as necessary.

Can an epidural slow labor or lead to a cesarean delivery (C-section)?

There is no credible evidence that it does either. When a woman needs a C-section, other factors usually are at play, including the size or position of the baby or slow progression of labor due to other issues. With an epidural, you might be able to feel contractions — they just won’t hurt — and you’ll be able to push effectively. There is some evidence that epidurals can speed the first stage of labor by allowing the mother to relax.

Can epidurals harm the baby?

The amount of medication that reaches the baby from the epidural is very small, and there is no evidence that it causes any harm.

Are there risks and side effects?

Epidurals are very safe; serious complications are extremely rare. However, as with all medications and medical procedures, there are potential side effects:

• Decrease in blood pressure – The medication may lower your blood pressure, which may slow your baby’s heart rate. To make this less likely, you will be given extra fluids through a tube in your arm (IV), and you may need to lie on your side. Sometimes, your anesthesiologist will give you a medication to maintain your blood pressure.
• Sore back – Your lower back may be sore where the needle was inserted to deliver the medication. This soreness should last no more than a few days. There is no evidence that an epidural can cause permanent back pain.
• Headache – On rare occasions, the needle pierces the covering of the spinal cord, which can cause a headache that may last for a few days if left untreated. If this situation arises, discuss the treatment options with your anesthesiologist.

What is combined spinal-epidural anesthesia?

A spinal block is sometimes used in combination with an epidural during labor to provide immediate pain relief. A spinal block, like an epidural, involves an injection in the lower back. While you sit or lie on your side in bed, a small amount of medication is injected into the spinal fluid to numb the lower half of the body. It brings good relief from pain and starts working quickly, but it lasts only an hour or two and is usually given only once during labor. The epidural provides continued pain relief after the spinal block wears off.

Anesthesiologists are committed to patient safety and high-quality care, and have the necessary knowledge to understand and treat the entire human body.

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