Ask a Doctor
Melissa Boyles, MD
Women Physicians In OB-GYN, Inc.
3525 Olentangy
River Road
Suite 6350
Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614)
734-3347
Q: What is back labor?
A: "Back labor" occurs when the laboring patient experiences the majority of labor pain in her back. It is typically in the lower back, and can be quite severe. It probably is caused from pressure being exerted on the spine. It is most commonly seen when a fetus is lying in the occiput posterior or "face up" position but can occur in other situations. Positional changes, including knee-chest, using the labor ball, massage and applying heat may help to alleviate the discomfort.





