Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 11/2/2010

Question
I had a c-section 10 months ago.  They gave me a spinal block, and the woman doing it seemed to have a lot of trouble and did have to ask for help.  Now ten months later, I still get pain that feels like a toothache radiating from the lower-middle part of my back and down my buttocks and leg.  I was just wondering, in your opinion, if it may possibly be nerve damage?  Or is this a normal issue with spinal blocks?

Answer
If you are having pain going down your buttock and leg (regardless of the cause), you need to go and have it evaluated. It sounds like sciatic pain. I don't think it is from the spinal but it might be from the delivery. Assuming you had a vaginal delivery, the baby's head (As it comes through the birth canal) puts pressure on the pelvic nerves. It might also just be a herniated disc that could come from carrying the baby around or heavy lifting, etc. There are too many possible reasons for the pain but none of this matters as much as having it evaluated by either a neurologist or your primary physician.

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston