postnatal back pain - epidural?

[puppydavies]

has anyone experienced long term lower back pain after having an epidural?

dd2's 8wks and i've i've noticed a recurrent ache that seems to be fairly localised to the site of my epidural. i didn't notice anything like this first time round (had epi then too) so i don't think it's just regular new baby lifting/bad bf posture etc. the only other possible cause i can think of is using a new sling, but given that up to the beginning of this pregnancy i was regularly carrying a 2.5 stone toddler i can't see that a 10lb newborn is likely to be that much of a strain.

so anyway, if it is epidural related can anyone tell me if there's anything i can do about it? is e.g. yoga a good plan or should i be careful about resting it? is it likely to clear up by itself or am i stuck with it? worth mentioning to gp?

I have this too. DS1 born nearly 5 years ago, and still get twinges, had epidural with DS2 as well 2 yrs ago. Definite local pain where the needle went in. Nothing that needs painkillers, just twinges. Mentioned it to GP about a year after DS1, had an appointment with physio who could detect weakness on one side, but never followed it up as would have taken 6 months to get any physio.....

TBH, it doesn´t really bother me, and it was definitely worse in the first 6 months - used to lose feeling in my legs when I stood up etc. Have been living abroad for 3 years, about to move back to UK so may do something about it when I get back!

I had it with my first. On and off for months after epidural. I think it will clear up on its own.

yikes chocolatequeen - 5 years mine sounds really quite minor compared to yours tho - no loss of feeling thankfully. and glad to hear yours sorted itself out maryrose.

i'm assuming that a bit of gentle exercise should help rather than hinder but equally i'm wary of doing anything to make it worse. i guess i'll see what happens over the next month or so...

I still get those twinges nearly two years on. Doctor told me that pregnancy weakens your stomach muscles and that's why you back get effected, not enough support. Oh and massage works wonders, I was told by the girl doing it that all the little knots that build up can only be broken down by massage. It's like detox. She said that I had a lot of knots in my lower back that were probably still there from pregnancy.

i have noticed that my stomach muscles are very much not what they were this time - although i wasn't attempting shoulderstands 6 wks postnatal last time so i can't compare

i've never been for a massage does it really make that much difference? actually i should have the chance to try one at a festival next week, will do if i get a moment and see for myself. i figure that yoga should help shift any tension i'm holding from bad posture etc.