What is Intrathecal/Spinal Analgesia?
Intrathecal/Spinal Analgesia is provided by administering medications directly into the fluid which surrounds the nerves in the spinal canal. The patient is positioned sitting on the edge of the bed or lying on their side. Their lower back is cleansed with a sterile solution and a small area of skin overlying the spine is numbed with local anesthetic. A small needle is inserted between the bones of the back and when the area surrounding the nerves of the spine is entered a small amount of medication is administered. Pain relief is usually rapid and reliable; however the duration of pain relief is limited. Medications can be expected to last at least 2-to-3 hours.
