What is an Epidural?

An epidural or epidural anesthesia is often associated with childbirth, although the truth is that it can be used in the treatment of several types of physical ailments and pains or neuralgia where general anesthesia or more invasive procedures are not recommended or not suitable. An epidural is recommended in the following cases:

• An epidural is a choice given to women during natural childbirth. The epidural numbs the pain without affecting muscle power, which means a woman cannot longer feel the contractions but is still able to push when directed to do so by her doctor.
• An epidural can sometimes be used for Cesarean section surgeries, although this may not be enough anesthetic, so doctors can sometimes recommend additional drugs or general anesthesia.
• An epidural can be used to treat certain types of chronic pain that have not responded to any other type of localized or general treatment. Often referred to as an epidural steroid injection, this epidural utilizes a steroid to treat pain and inflammation often associated with back pain.
• An epidural is effective for most types of pain that have to do with the lower body, especially the abdomen and pelvis.

An epidural is performed by inserting an injection or a catheter in the epidural space, a membranous area in the spine. Once the catheter has been placed, a series of drugs are administered through the it, which cause a temporary but complete loss of sensation in the area. During childbirth, a simple epidural injection may be enough for most women, although doctors may elect to place a catheter anyway. The epidural itself may be slightly painful when performed, as it involves inserting a long needle deep into the spine. Most people, however, report only feeling pressure and discomfort, rather than pain, when receiving the shot.

Complications from the use of the epidural are small and rare. Less than 1 in 10,000 women experience some type of nerve damage, accidental dural puncture, or catheter misplacement. Headaches and back pain have also been reported after receiving an epidural. In most cases, the effects are temporary and reverse themselves a few hours or days after the catheter is removed.

Written by Diana Bocco