Are you experiencing back pain after spinal block?
If you are, you may be wondering what’s the cause.
Let’s take a closer look at epidurals for back pain pros and cons, whether they can cause back pain, and how to treat it.
What’s an Epidural?
Officially known as epidural anesthesia, this is a regional anesthetic that’s administered through your lower back.
It’s designed to block pain in the lower half of your body.
Like any other procedure, it comes with its own pros and cons.
Generally, epidural injections are non-invasive and safe, especially when done by an experienced and skilled medical practitioner.
However, it also comes with risks and side effects, such as itching, weakness in the legs, and skin infection; in extreme cases, it may cause bleeding or nerve damage.
Can It Cause Back Pain?
According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, there is no credible evidence that having an epidural will lead to permanent back pain.
However, while permanent back pain is highly unlikely, that doesn’t mean that epidurals don’t have temporary side effects.
It’s not uncommon to have temporary soreness or back pain at the injection site.
The soreness and pain usually go away in a few days. If it persists, consult your doctor immediately.
Treatment
There are plenty of ways to ease back pain after spinal block at home, including the following:
- Massage.
- Hot and cold therapy
- KT tape for lower back pain or KT tape for upper back pain
- Rest
Epidural injections are non-invasive and safe, especially when done by an experienced and skilled medical practitioner.
It may cause temporary soreness or back pain at the injection site, but the pain usually goes away in a few days.
If it persists, consult your doctor immediately.
Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All information contained on this website is for general information purposes only.