The prevalence of acute back pain and contributory factors associated with spinal anaesthesia after caesarean delivery at a central hospital

Abstract

Background Acute back pain is a known complication of spinal anaesthesia for caesarean delivery which often distresses patients. Anaesthetists providing this type of anaesthesia need an in-depth understanding of the prevalence and the factors that contribute to acute back pain in their population. Objectives To determine the prevalence, characteristics and factors contributing to acute back pain following spinal anaesthesia for caesarean delivery. Methods A total of 80 participants presenting for elective or emergency caesarean delivery were enrolled in the study. An institutional based cross-sectional prospective study was conducted at an academic hospital over a period of two weeks. Participant demographics and factors cited in previous studies as being associated with the occurrence of acute back pain after spinal anaesthesia were recorded. Participants were followed up 48 hours post-operatively in the wards with a questionnaire. Binary logistic regression analysis was done to assess the relationship between contributory factors and acute back pain. Results The prevalence of acute back pain after spinal anaesthesia was 25% (n=20). Participants described acute back pain as a mild to moderate (median 4.50; IQR 2.00 - 7.00), sharp sensation (45%; n=9) localised to the area of injection (55%; n=11). There were no statistically significant associations between the contributory factors and the prevalence of acute back pain assessed in this study. Conclusions The prevalence of acute back pain after spinal anaesthesia for caesarean delivery was 25% and there were no statistically significant contributing factors.