back problems

following two c sections my last being 3 years ago i experienced back ache following epidurals

i experienced a tingle and burn numbness and almost a vibrating in MY left hand side of my back just below the shoulder blade it used to come and go but have started to get it more offten i have had it on and off all day now what could this be ?

[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, as you are describing, is usually a result of irritation of structures of the spine (e.g., periosteum, ligament, dura, and joints).  Also, it would be important to ensure that you have no inflammatory response/infection at the site of the epidural. X-rays of the back may be beneficial to determine if the pain is boney in origin (such as osteophyte) or soft tissue. An MRI of the thoracic spine, is usually not indicated if no neurological deficits, but it may be helpful to evaluate for more unusual causes of local back pain such as an epidural tumor or syrinx.

Treatment of these types of pains includes NSAIDs and physical therapy. If no improvement with these, a pain specialist may opt to do a procedure called facet joint block.

I would suggest you discuss your pain with your primary care physician.

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