In a message dated 97-02-10 19:11:57 EST, you write:

 As per the anesthesiologist who suggests that low back pain does not occur
 subsequent to epidural anesthetic.  Having just reviewed this subject,
 every
 single textbook in the field suggests that low back pain is a common,
 inexplicable, side effect of epidural anesthetics.  Some recover
rapidly(10-14
 days),  others much slower.

 Regards
 Tom Hale >>

THANKYOU Dr Hale!!!    Perhaps in other uses the pain may be considered
inexplicable, (although I think a needle piercing through sensitive lower
back ligaments is enough of a "reason" ), however, in the case of a laboring
woman I believe the residual pain is directly related to attendants lifting
mom's legs unevenly and/or  hyperflexing the thighs up "to the ears" during
the pushing stage.  This is a common variation on the lithotomy position used
to "open the pelvic outlet to the max diameters".  Even without an epidural,
some mom's have pain after this treatment. This position also leads to
unnecessary tears and/or episiotomies.  I'm looking forward to the "Mother
Friendly" Initiative to take hold!!!!!   Liz Flight in sunny, chilly
Jacksonville