What should I do if my lower back hurts at the site where anesthesia was administered during a cesarean section?

In general, lower back pain at the site of anesthesia administration after cesarean section may be caused by tissue injury from puncture, improper posture postpartum, local soft tissue adhesion, lumbar disc herniation, or local infection. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and follow symptomatic treatments under a doctor's guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Tissue injury from puncture: The anesthesia injection may damage local muscles and ligaments, leading to pain during the postpartum recovery period. Avoid bending over to lift the baby, prolonged standing or sitting. When lying down, place a soft pillow under the lower back for support, and avoid heavy physical labor within six weeks postpartum to promote tissue healing.

2. Improper posture postpartum: Prolonged bending or side-lying positions during breastfeeding or caring for the baby can increase strain on the lower back. Adjust breastfeeding posture by sitting upright with lumbar support, use arms and legs (rather than the back) when lifting the baby, and take breaks every half hour to move and relieve back discomfort.

3. Local soft tissue adhesion: Soft tissues may adhere during healing at the puncture site, causing pulling pain during movement. Under medical guidance, apply heat therapy to the lower back, combined with gentle massage. If necessary, perform postpartum rehabilitation exercises to improve local blood circulation and release adhesions.

4. Lumbar disc herniation: Increased spinal load during pregnancy, combined with anesthesia puncture, may trigger or worsen disc problems, possibly accompanied by numbness in the lower limbs. Follow medical advice to use medications such as diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, mecobalamin tablets, and vitamin B1 tablets, along with lumbar traction and physical therapy to alleviate symptoms.

5. Local infection: Infection at the puncture site may cause redness, swelling, heat, and pain, sometimes accompanied by fever in severe cases. Seek immediate medical care for wound debridement and follow prescribed treatment with antibiotics such as cefuroxime axetil tablets, amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets, or levofloxacin tablets. Keep the area clean and dry.

Daily care should include keeping the lower back warm to prevent cold exposure that could worsen pain. Increase intake of protein- and calcium-rich foods such as milk and lean meat to support bone and muscle recovery. Gradually engage in back and core muscle exercises postpartum to strengthen lumbar support and progressively alleviate back pain.