An epidural is commonly used for pain control after surgery and during childbirth. An epidural involves placing a small needle in the back and then positioning a small tube (catheter) near the nerves exiting the spinal cord. Medications are delivered through the catheter, temporarily numbing regions of the body.
Epidurals and spinals are often confused. When a spinal is performed, the anesthesiologist places a small needle in the back and the tip is in the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. For an epidural, the tip of the needle is outside of the sack holding the spinal fluid in the space where the nerves exit the spinal.
Epidurals are the most common form of birth anesthesia. Have you ever wondered what happens when you receive one? Watch this clip from Discovery Health's "Women's Health Tips" to find out.
An epidural injection is a local injection containing a mixture of corticosteroid and anesthetic. The needle goes through the skin, into the area around the spinal nerve roots. Watch an animation of this injection for lower back pain.
An epidural is a procedure during which an injection is placed into the space around the spinal column causing numbness in the lower half of the body.
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