How Does
Can a Spinal Block Cause Back Pain?
Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
Administering
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A spinal block is normally given during certain medical procedures to alleviate any pain that might occur, and allow the patient to stay awake. An example of this is during a delivery. Typically a mother should stay awake during this, and a spinal block allows this. The needle is administered in the back and taped in place for the duration of the procedure so that more medicine can be given as needed until the doctors are finished.
Injection Pain
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After a spinal block is given, the effects wear off, leaving you none the worse for wear. There is usually a soreness in the back where the needle was injected. This lasts for no more than a few days but is uncomfortable. It is in no way life-threatening or long-term. The pain typically feels like a bruise or pulled muscle in the back around the injection site, and goes away with or without care.
Mishaps
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In rare instances, a needle might pierce a nerve in the spine. This can cause pain in various areas depending on what the nerve is for, and could be in any number of locations, including the back. This is not common and generally doesn't occur with an experienced anesthesiologist. Nerves normally heal and the pain goes away over time. It might not even be noticed by the patient if the nerve hit affects the body below the waist. If this is the case, the pain might not show up until after the block wears off.
eHow Article: Can a Spinal Block Cause Back Pain?
