Incidence and Severity of Neuraxial Anesthesia-Related Back Pain in Postpartum Women: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Back pain is a prevalent global health issue, particularly among women during the postpartum period. Neuraxial anesthesia, commonly used in procedures such as cesarean section, is associated with complications, including postspinal back pain (PSBP). However, limited data exist on its incidence and characteristics, especially within specific demographic groups. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and features of PSBP among women who underwent neuraxial anesthesia for cesarean section in a tertary care center in south India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 168 women who underwent spinal anesthesia for cesarean section between January 2015 and December 2018. Data were collected through telephone interviews, utilizing a structured proforma covering sociodemographic profiles, pain characteristics, and disability assessment using the Oswestry Disability Scale. Descriptive statistics and chi-squared test were used for data analysis. Results: Among the participants, 40.5% reported experiencing back pain after neuraxial anesthesia, with 39.3% experiencing pain post-delivery and 1.2% since their first delivery. The majority of participants were under 30 years old (78%) and homemakers (92.3%). Severity of back pain varied, with 22.06% classified as mild, 35.29% as moderate, and 42.65% as severe. Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between the number of children and the incidence of back pain (p<0.05). Conclusion: The research emphasizes a significant proportion (40.5%) of postpartum back pain (PSBP) in women who have cesarean sections with neuraxial anesthesia. The intensity of pain experienced varied, with a notable link detected between the number of children a woman has and the likelihood of experiencing back pain. These results highlight the necessity of recognizing and managing factors that contribute to PSBP, aiming to enhance maternal health and recovery after surgery.

Keywords

• back pain
• neuraxial anesthesia
• cesarean section
• postspinal back pain
• postpartum
• prevalence