Randomised study of long term outcome after epidural versus non-epidural analgesia during labour

ObjectiveTo determine whether epidural analgesia during labour is associated with long term backache.DesignFollow up after randomised controlled trial. Analysis by intention to treat.SettingDepartment of obstetrics and gynaecology at one NHS trust.Participants369 women: 184 randomised to epidural group (treatment as allocated received by 123) and 185 randomised to non-epidural group (treatment as allocated received by 133). In the follow up study 151 women were from the epidural group and 155 from the non-epidural group.ResultsThere were no significant differences between groups in demographic details or other key characteristics. The mean time interval from delivery to interview was 26 months. There were no significant differences in the onset or duration of low back pain, with nearly a third of women in each group reporting pain in the week before interview. There were no differences in self reported measures of disability in activities of daily living and no significant differences in measurements of spinal mobility.ConclusionsAfter childbirth there are no differences in the incidence of long term low back pain, disability, or movement restriction between women who receive epidural pain relief and women who receive other forms of pain relief.

What is already known on this topic

Previous research has suggested an association between epidural analgesia during labour and low back painIt is not known whether this association is causal

What this study adds

This long term follow up study found no evidence of a causal link between epidural analgesia during labour and low back pain