Spinal and Epidural Anesthesia

Spinal and epidural anesthesia are used to block pain from an entire area of the body. They use numbing medicine given near the spinal cord. These types of anesthesia are often used for surgeries on the lower part of the body. They're also used to manage pain during childbirth or pain after a surgery.

How they're done

You may need to sit up and curl your body forward to round your low back. Or you'll lie on your side and curl your knees up to your chest.

First the skin area on your back is numbed. Then the anesthesia specialist will put a needle into the numbed area.

For spinal anesthesia, the medicine is given as a single shot. For epidural anesthesia, a small tube is usually placed in the space around the spinal cord and nerves in your back. This tube is left in place so that more medicine can be given as needed.

Sometimes spinal and epidural anesthesia are combined.

You may also get other medicines for pain or to help you relax. These may be given through a tube in a vein in your arm (intravenous, I.V.) They may make you feel sleepy.

How to prepare

You will get a list of instructions to help you prepare. Your anesthesia specialist will let you know what to expect when you get to the hospital, during the surgery, and after.

You'll be told when to stop eating and drinking.

If you take medicine, you'll be told what you can and can't take before surgery.

You'll be asked to sign a consent form. The form says that you know the risks of anesthesia. Before you sign, your specialist will talk with you. You'll discuss the best type for you. And you'll learn the risks and benefits of that type.

Many people are nervous before they have surgery. Ask your doctor about ways to relax before surgery.

What to tell the doctor

Tell the provider about any health problems (such as sleep apnea). Talk about any past surgeries and if a family member had problems with anesthesia. Let them know if you're pregnant. Also tell them if you smoke, vape, or use other tobacco or nicotine products, drink alcohol, or use drugs. Give them a list of all medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take.

Risks

Serious problems aren't common. There may be some side effects, such as a headache or nausea. You may have soreness at the injection site on your back. Your heart or breathing can be affected by the medicine. In rare cases, nerve damage can cause long-term weakness or numbness.