Epidural for herniated disk vs childbirth

buffalo_buckeye

Anyone know the difference? Mh has a herniated disk and will be getting physical therapy along with an epidural (and lidocane) to help. A woman at his work said it was more painful than her childbirth epi, I was just wondering why or if it was just circumstantial?

monchichi

I imagine the pain has more to do with the fact that the back is already injured.  I know someone at work who had the epi and he said it helped for a bit.  My dad was supposed to have one years ago, but his back damage was very high up and the risks of not being able to breathe, etc freaked my mom too much for him to go through with it.  I don't think the risks were any worse than for a norma epidural, though, if they'd placed it lower.

AnnapolisLari

I think it depends on your pain tolerance.

DH has had 2 epidurals for his disks, and he didn't complain too much. He has little to no pain tolerance, so it couldn't have been that bad. They did help his back, though. The second one took longer to 'kick in' than the first, but he's been pain-free since.

Bellisimo

I get them every 4 wks for my herniated disc....but it's done under general anesthesia so I'm KTFO.  When I wake up I'm pain free and it's glorious!  I've had an epi with DS (super easy and painfree) and a spinal with DD (also easy and painfree).  None of them have been painful.  When I get my epis for the herniated disc I also get steroids injected into the disc space.  The give me propofol and versed.  I remember nothing, feel nothing and get some kickass sleep after the procedure is done.  I literally look forward to my next appts.  My pain is THAT bad.