Back and sharp head pains

I had epidurals with both of my children and have since, every so often experienced pain in the area of the injection site. Recently, I slept on the floor with my youngest and when I woke the next morning I was experiencing the same mid and lower back pain that I figured was caused by sleeping wrong HOWEVER this time the back pain is accompanied by sharp pains around my ears on my head. The pain is not consistant. Lasts a second or two and then goes away but comes back. I soaked in a hot back to ease the back pain but it didn't help the head pain and neither had and headache meds. Any ideas?

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

Local back pain from the epidural injections is likely a result of irritation to the structures of the spine. Once an area has been injured such as having an epidural, you may be subject to having pains elsewhere at a much lower pain threshold (i.e,. central/peripheral sensitization).

If the epidurals were recent, you may benefit from imaging of your back to ensure no infection. Otherwise, I would recommend that you visit with your PCP regarding this (and also evaluate you for other conditions such as various headache types or fibromyalgia). You may need to start either a muscle relaxant or neuropathic pain medication, depending on the examination and further history.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.