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