Epidural study ‘laughable’

A REPORT finding no link between backache and reduced mobility to epidural injections used to relieve labour pain has been described as “laughable” by maternity groups here.

Support groups for mothers say many women seeking advice or help after birth complain of prolonged backache and decreased mobility as a result of the epidural, a long-lasting painkilling injection administered during labour.

An epidural is an anaesthetic administered by a needle which is inserted into a cavity at the base of the spine, and numbs nerves from the womb.