[Obstetrical epidural analgesia and postpartum backache]

Rev Med Liege. 2012 Jan;67(1):16-20.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Backache is a common problem in the general population. The prevalence of backpain is increased during pregnancy and after delivery. Early studies have suggested that labor epidural analgesia might be associated with an increased incidence of backache in the postpartum period. However, these initial studies were retrospective and their design included several methodological deficiencies. All the prospective studies published afterwards (prospective cohort studies and 3 randomized controlled trials) yield the same result: there is no relationship between labor epidural analgesia and long-term postpartum backpain. Pregnant women must be aware of this in order to make an informed and appropriate choice about labor epidural analgesia, the most effective technique for intrapartum pain relief.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Analgesia, Epidural / adverse effects*
  • Analgesia, Obstetrical / adverse effects*
  • Analgesia, Obstetrical / methods*
  • Back Pain / diagnosis
  • Back Pain / etiology*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Low Back Pain / diagnosis
  • Low Back Pain / etiology
  • Postpartum Period* / physiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / diagnosis
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic