for me it hurt pretty bad to get, but it was over quick. it was wonderful having because I was able to progress in my labor and sleep during most of it until it was time to push. which i could feel him crowing and i could feel when i needed to push. however i did have some complications afterwards which trust me is nit common so i was told. but after i gave birth my lower right leg and foot were still numb and i couldn't walk by myself which i was told was caused by being on it for so long and the strength of it. it got a little better and i was able to leave the hospital after three days. however i still have trouble with it. it still feels tingly and i can't bend my foot up from the ankle and i have a slight limp. which i will be talking to my midwife about at my pp visit. but it is not common for this to happen. and i can still get and epidural in the future.
mine was perfect! the guy who did mine did it perfectly to where I was numb enough to not feel the contractions add bad but could still feel my legs just enough to help me push! and i haven't had any back pain whatsoever