Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 9/7/2008

Question
Within the past 4 years I have had two c-sections and both times a spinal was used.  After having my first son I had some reoccurring lower back pain.  It is at the base of my spine, above my buttocks, and spreads outwards across my lower back. Since having my second son 2 years ago, the lower back pain has been worse and pretty much continuous.  I had a difficult time the second time with the spinal.  I could feel everything, even when they pushed the liquid in.  It was horrible.  Afterwards, I developed what they told me was a "spinal headache."  I was wondering if it is possible that there was some damage done or am I having a long term side effect from the spinal?  I also wanted to know who I should go see about this problem.  Should I talk to my family doctor, or my OBGYN?  Thank you for any advice you can give me.  I am worried that I will not be able to carry another child if I cannot get some relief from my back pain.

Answer
The spinal headache and the back pain are not related and I don't think the spinals are related to the back pain at all. More than likely, carrying the extra weight of pregnacy (and carrying the bab post pregnancy may have exacerbated a previous back condition. It might be that you have a herniated disk, or disk compression or even spinal stenosis. None of these are related to the spinal and none would prevent you from having another baby (with a spinal or epidural). You should be seen by an orthopedic surgeon or an neurosurgeon to have you back worked up (CT, MRI, etc).

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston