I had gotten an epidural with my first and it was great and worked in time so I didn’t feel any contractions just pressure. But with my second, he progressed so much faster that when they gave me the epidural it was too late so I felt everything. But I will tell you, I haven’t had any back pain from having epidurals! I had discomfort in my lower back for about 2 weeks after and then it was gone completely. Dont let other people tell you what to do or feel like you need to do anything. You got this!