Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 1/29/2009

Question
Hello,
I had an epidural while giving birth. It has been 22 months and still very often my entire back will burn and feel like it is numb again just like it did when the epidural was in full effect. Plus, sometimes when I bend over at the waist or even lean over my back will lock up and I can not get back up without leaning farther down and/or moving into a different position in order to just sit back up. I am making an appointment with my PCP but can you tell me if this is a known side effect of an epidural and what possibly could be the problem?

Answer
Hi Jessica
It is difficult to give a reason for your symptoms without chatting and examining you to see the precise areas affected. If you truly have symptoms over the whole area that was numbed by your epidural i.e. a large band across your tummy on both sides then this would be very unusual. If the sensation is more localised then this is more likely to be due to localised pressure on a nerve in your back.
So unfortunately I can't say much about that except that even though epidurals have an excellent track record and this doesn't sound like something I can attribute to your epidural - I would never say it isn't possible for there to be some relationship.

The locking up is more easily explained and I'm afraid bringing up toddlers put's a huge strain on your back and the locking is usually an effect from the 'facet joints' in your back.

Sorry haven't been able to give you more positive diagnosis.
Kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson