Epidural anesthesia is not just for childbirth, but can also be used to treat chronic pain. It involves injecting drugs into the epidural space in the spine, causing temporary loss of sensation. Complications are rare, but can include nerve damage, headaches, and back pain.
An epidural or epidural anesthesia is often associated with childbirth, although the truth is that it can be used in the treatment of different types of physical ailments and pains or neuralgias where general anesthesia or more invasive procedures are not recommended or not suitable . It is recommended in the following cases:
The epidural is a choice given to women during natural childbirth. It numbs pain without affecting muscle power, meaning a woman can no longer feel contractions but she is still able to push when directed to by her doctor. It can sometimes be used for cesarean section surgeries, although this may not be anesthetic enough, so doctors may sometimes recommend additional medications 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, it uses a steroid to treat the pain and inflammation often associated with back pain. It is effective for most types of pain that have to do with the lower body, especially the abdomen and pelvis.
Anesthesia is delivered by inserting an injection or catheter into the epidural space, a membranous area in the spine. Once the catheter is in place, a variety of drugs are administered through it that cause a temporary but complete loss of sensation in the area. During childbirth, a simple epidural injection may be sufficient for most women, although doctors may still decide to place a catheter. The injection itself can be slightly painful when done, as it involves inserting a long needle deep into the spine. Most people, however, report feeling only pressure and discomfort, rather than pain, when they receive the injection.
Complications from epidural use are small and rare. Fewer than 1 in 10,000 women suffer from some type of nerve damage, accidental dural puncture, or catheter misplacement. Headaches and back pain have also been reported after receiving this anesthesia. In most cases, the effects are temporary and wear off a few hours or days after the catheter is removed.
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