How is the epidural or spinal block performed?
A spinal or epidural block is given in the spine. The patient is either sitting up or lying on his/her side. Before the block is performed, the skin will be cleansed with an antiseptic (bacteria-killing) solution. The anesthesiologist will use local anesthesia to numb an area of the spine. Another needle is then used to introduce either an anesthetic (in the case of a spinal) or a small plastic tube (in case of an epidural). The needle is removed after the anesthetic or catheter is in place. The medication bathes the nerves and blocks out the pain. After the anesthesiologist has performed the spinal or epidural block, there generally is a feeling of numbness and the legs become weak to the point of not being able to move them. This is normal.
