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Long term backache after childbirth: prospective search for causative factors
R Russell1, R Dundas, F Reynolds
1Department of Anaesthesia, St Thomas's Hospital, London.
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.)
|June 1, 1996
Summary
Epidural analgesia during labor does not increase the risk of long-term backache after childbirth. Previous or current backache, not epidural anesthesia, is linked to postpartum back pain.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Anesthesiology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Postpartum backache is a common concern for women.
- The role of epidural analgesia in labor on long-term backache is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between epidural bupivacaine doses and long-term backache after childbirth.
- To compare backache incidence in women receiving epidural analgesia versus those without.
Main Methods:
- Prospective randomized study involving women receiving epidural analgesia (high vs. low dose bupivacaine) and a control group without epidural.
- Data collected during labor, postpartum, and via questionnaires at three months and one year.
Main Results:
- 33.8% of responders reported backache at three months postpartum.
- No significant difference in overall or new backache incidence between epidural and non-epidural groups.
- Pre-existing or pregnancy-related backache were the only significant predictors of postpartum backache.
Conclusions:
- Epidural analgesia in labor does not significantly increase the incidence of new long-term backache.
- Motor block from epidural anesthesia is not a significant factor in developing postpartum backache.