Epidurals and Spinals

Anaesthesia is very safe. It allows a patient to be comfortable during their surgery. Anaesthetists are specialist doctors who are highly trained to deliver anaesthesia and help look after you before, during, and after your surgery.

This information is meant as a general guide only. It does not replace individual medical advice given by your healthcare providers. You should always ask your healthcare team If there is anything you’re unsure about.

What are Epidurals and Spinals?

Epidurals and spinals (often called ‘blocks’ by anaesthetists) are types of pain relief that temporarily numb parts of your body. They are used for surgeries, pain relief after surgery, during childbirth, or for managing pain. Epidurals and spinals are safe for adults and children. Both involve injecting medicine near your spinal cord, but are done in different ways:

• Epidurals involve placing a tiny tube (epidural catheter) into the space next to the spinal cord for ongoing pain relief.
• Spinals use a single injection into the fluid around your spinal cord.

Sometimes a spinal and epidural might be used together to offer better pain relief.

What is an Epidural?

An epidural involves inserting a small flexible tube into the space around the spinal cord.

• It can be placed at various points along the spine, from the neck to the lower back.
• An epidural provides pain relief for surgeries in the chest, abdomen, pelvis, or legs.
• The tube allows for continuous delivery of medicines, which is helpful during labour, after surgery, or for ongoing pain relief.
• Epidural catheters (the small tube) can stay in place for several days if needed.

What is Spinal anaesthesia?

A spinal is usually a one-time injection of a small amount of local anaesthetic (sometimes with other medicines).

• It numbs the lower body and may cause temporary weakness or paralysis in your legs, lasting 1–6 hours.
• Spinals are commonly used for surgeries in the lower abdomen, pelvis, or legs.
• They can also provide pain relief after surgery.

During your procedure

Preparation:

• You will likely be awake or lightly sedated.
• The anaesthetist will ask you to sit up or lie on your side.
• The anaesthetist will clean the skin with an antiseptic where the injection will go in to keep it sterile

Numbing the area:

• A small injection will numb the skin on your back.

For Epidurals:

• A small tube (catheter) is placed in the space near your spinal cord (epidural space), and the needle is removed.
• Medicines can be added through the catheter for ongoing pain relief.
• It may take up to 30 minutes for your epidural to take full effect.

For Spinals:

• The medicine will be injected with a fine needle into the spinal fluid.
• It works quickly—your lower body will feel warm, then numb, and you might not be able to move your legs.

You may still feel some other sensations like pressure or tugging. During surgery, a drape or screen will block what you can see, and your anaesthetist will monitor you closely.

After your surgery or procedure

You might still feel numb or weak for a few hours after your surgery or procedure. Sensation will gradually return, often with tingling. You might start to feel some discomfort from your surgery as the numbness wears off—ask your healthcare team for pain relief if needed.