How do epidural steroid injections work for back pain. What is the procedure for administering an epidural injection. When are epidural injections recommended for pain relief. What are the potential risks and complications of epidural steroid injections. How long does pain relief from epidural injections typically last.

Understanding Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI) for Back Pain

Epidural steroid injections (ESI) are a powerful pain management technique used to alleviate back pain, particularly when it radiates from the lower spine to the hips or down the leg. This procedure involves delivering potent anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space, which is the area outside the sac of fluid surrounding the spinal cord.

It’s important to note that ESI differs from epidural anesthesia administered during childbirth or certain surgical procedures. The primary goal of ESI is to reduce inflammation and pressure on the larger nerves around the spine, thereby providing relief from persistent back pain.

How do epidural steroid injections work?

Epidural steroid injections work by targeting the source of pain directly. The injected medication, typically a mixture of steroids and local anesthetic, helps to:

• Decrease inflammation around the affected nerves
• Reduce pressure on nerve roots
• Alleviate pain and discomfort
• Improve mobility and function

The local anesthetic component provides immediate pain relief, while the steroid medication offers longer-lasting anti-inflammatory effects.

The Epidural Injection Procedure: What to Expect

The epidural injection procedure is typically performed in a hospital or outpatient clinic setting. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what patients can expect:

1. Patient preparation: The patient changes into a gown and is positioned on an x-ray table, usually face down with a pillow under the stomach. Alternative positions may be used if lying face down causes discomfort.
2. Site preparation: The injection site on the back is cleaned and may be numbed with local anesthetic.
3. Needle insertion: Using real-time x-ray guidance (fluoroscopy), the doctor carefully inserts the needle into the epidural space.
4. Medication injection: A mixture of steroid and numbing medicine is injected into the targeted area.
5. Post-procedure monitoring: The patient is observed for 15 to 20 minutes before being discharged.

The entire procedure typically takes about 15-30 minutes. Most patients report feeling pressure during the injection rather than pain. It’s crucial to remain still throughout the procedure to ensure accurate needle placement.

Is the epidural injection procedure painful?

While patients may experience some pressure during the injection, the procedure is generally not considered painful. The injection site is numbed with local anesthetic, and some patients may receive mild sedation to help them relax. However, it’s important to communicate any discomfort to the healthcare provider during the procedure.

Indications for Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections are typically recommended when other conservative treatments have failed to provide adequate pain relief. Common indications for ESI include:

• Sciatica (radicular pain)
• Herniated or bulging discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Failed back surgery syndrome

Healthcare providers may consider ESI when a patient’s pain has not improved with other non-surgical interventions such as oral medications, physical therapy, or lifestyle modifications.

When should epidural injections be considered for back pain?

Epidural injections should be considered when:

• Pain persists despite conservative treatments
• Pain interferes with daily activities and quality of life
• There’s a clear correlation between the patient’s symptoms and imaging findings
• The patient wishes to avoid or delay surgery

It’s important to consult with a pain management specialist or spine surgeon to determine if ESI is an appropriate treatment option for your specific condition.

Potential Risks and Complications of Epidural Steroid Injections

While epidural steroid injections are generally considered safe when performed by experienced practitioners, there are potential risks and complications to be aware of:

• Temporary side effects: Dizziness, headache, or nausea (usually mild)
• Nerve root damage: May result in increased pain
• Infection: Rare cases of meningitis or abscess
• Allergic reactions: To the medications used
• Bleeding: Hematoma around the spinal column
• Rare neurological complications
• Breathing difficulties: If the injection is administered in the neck region

It’s crucial to discuss these potential risks with your healthcare provider and weigh them against the expected benefits of the procedure.

Are there any long-term risks associated with repeated epidural injections?

Frequent epidural steroid injections may lead to:

• Weakening of bones in the spine
• Weakening of nearby muscles
• Increased risk of fractures
• Potential suppression of the body’s natural hormone production

To mitigate these risks, most doctors limit patients to two or three injections per year. It’s essential to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations regarding the frequency of injections.

Preparing for an Epidural Steroid Injection

Proper preparation is key to ensuring a safe and effective epidural steroid injection procedure. Here are some important steps to take:

1. Medical history review: Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you’re taking.
2. Imaging studies: Your doctor may order x-rays, MRI, or CT scans to determine the precise area for treatment.
3. Medication adjustments: You may need to temporarily stop taking blood thinners or certain anti-inflammatory drugs.
4. Fasting: Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding food and drink before the procedure.
5. Transportation arrangements: If you receive sedation, arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.

What medications should be avoided before an epidural injection?

Patients may need to temporarily discontinue:

• Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin, heparin)
• Antiplatelet medications (e.g., clopidogrel)
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen
• Certain herbal supplements that may affect blood clotting

Always consult with your healthcare provider before stopping or adjusting any medications.

Recovery and Pain Relief After Epidural Steroid Injections

The recovery process and pain relief timeline following an epidural steroid injection can vary from patient to patient. Here’s what to expect:

• Immediate effects: Some patients experience immediate pain relief due to the local anesthetic.
• Short-term discomfort: There may be some soreness at the injection site for a few hours.
• Delayed relief: It’s not uncommon for pain to worsen for 2-3 days before improving.
• Onset of steroid effects: The anti-inflammatory effects of the steroid typically begin 2-3 days after the injection.
• Duration of relief: Pain relief can last for weeks to months, rarely up to a year.

How long does it take to experience pain relief after an epidural injection?

The timeline for pain relief can vary:

• Immediate relief: Some patients experience significant improvement within hours due to the local anesthetic.
• Delayed relief: For many, meaningful pain reduction occurs 2-7 days after the injection as the steroid takes effect.
• Gradual improvement: Some patients notice a gradual decrease in pain over 1-2 weeks.

It’s important to follow your doctor’s post-procedure instructions and report any concerns or unexpected symptoms.

Effectiveness and Limitations of Epidural Steroid Injections

While epidural steroid injections can be an effective pain management tool for many patients, it’s important to understand their limitations and manage expectations:

• Success rate: At least 50% of patients experience short-term pain relief.
• Duration of effects: Relief typically lasts weeks to months, rarely up to a year.
• Variability: Response to treatment can vary significantly between individuals.
• Underlying cause: ESI addresses symptoms but does not cure the underlying condition causing the pain.
• Complementary treatments: Ongoing physical therapy and exercise are often necessary for optimal results.

Can epidural injections provide permanent pain relief?

Epidural steroid injections typically provide temporary rather than permanent pain relief. However, they can offer significant benefits:

• Pain reduction allows patients to participate more fully in physical therapy and rehabilitation.
• Temporary relief may provide a window for natural healing processes to occur.
• For some patients, a series of injections may lead to long-term pain reduction.
• ESI can be part of a comprehensive pain management strategy, potentially delaying or avoiding the need for surgery.

It’s crucial to work with your healthcare provider to develop a long-term pain management plan that may include multiple treatment modalities.

Alternative and Complementary Treatments for Back Pain

While epidural steroid injections can be effective for many patients, they are often part of a broader treatment approach. Other interventions that may be considered include:

• Physical therapy and targeted exercises
• Chiropractic care
• Acupuncture
• Massage therapy
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy for pain management
• Medications (oral anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, or neuropathic pain medications)
• Lifestyle modifications (weight loss, ergonomic adjustments)
• Minimally invasive procedures (radiofrequency ablation, spinal cord stimulation)

How do epidural injections compare to other pain management techniques?

Epidural steroid injections offer several advantages:

• Targeted delivery of medication to the source of pain
• Minimal systemic side effects compared to oral medications
• Potential for rapid pain relief
• Can be performed on an outpatient basis

However, they may not be suitable for all patients, and the effectiveness can vary. A comprehensive approach combining multiple treatment modalities often yields the best results for managing chronic back pain.

In conclusion, epidural steroid injections represent a valuable tool in the management of back pain, particularly for patients who have not found relief through conservative measures. While they offer the potential for significant pain reduction and improved function, it’s important to approach this treatment with realistic expectations and as part of a comprehensive pain management strategy. Consulting with a qualified pain specialist or spine surgeon can help determine if epidural steroid injections are an appropriate option for your specific condition and guide you through the decision-making process.

Epidural injections for back pain: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

URL of this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007485.htm

To use the sharing features on this page, please enable JavaScript.

An epidural steroid injection (ESI) is the delivery of powerful anti-inflammatory medicine directly into the space outside of the sac of fluid around your spinal cord. This area is called the epidural space.

ESI is not the same as epidural anesthesia given just before childbirth or certain types of surgery.

ESI is done in a hospital or outpatient clinic. The procedure is done in the following way:

• You change into a gown.
• You then lie face down on an x-ray table with a pillow under your stomach. If this position causes pain, you either sit up or lie on your side in a curled position.
• The health care provider cleans the area of your back where the needle will be inserted. Medicine may be used to numb the area. You may be given medicine to help you relax.
• The doctor inserts a needle into your back. The doctor likely uses an x-ray machine that produces real-time images to help guide the needle to the correct spot in your lower back.
• A mixture of steroid and numbing medicine is injected into the area. This medicine decreases swelling and pressure on the larger nerves around your spine and helps relieve pain. The numbing medicine can also identify the painful nerve.
• You may feel some pressure during the injection. Most of the time, the procedure is not painful. It is important not to move during the procedure because the injection needs to be very precise.
• You are watched for 15 to 20 minutes after the injection before going home.

Your doctor may recommend ESI if you have pain that spreads from the lower spine to the hips or down the leg. This pain is caused by pressure on a nerve as it leaves the spine, most often due to a bulging disk.

ESI is used only when your pain has not improved with medicines, physical therapy, or other nonsurgical treatments.

ESI is generally safe. Complications may include:

• Dizziness, headache, or feeling sick to your stomach. Most of the time these are mild.
• Nerve root damage with increased pain down your leg
• Infection in or around your spine (meningitis or abscess)
• Allergic reaction to the medicine used
• Bleeding around the spinal column (hematoma)
• Possible rare brain and nervous system problems
• Difficulty breathing if the injection is in your neck

Talk to your doctor about your risk for complications.

Having these injections too often may weaken the bones of your spine or nearby muscles. Receiving higher doses of the steroids in the injections may also cause these problems. Because of this, most doctors limit people to two or three injections per year.

Your doctor will most likely have ordered x-rays, MRI, or CT scan of the back before this procedure. This helps your doctor determine the area to be treated.

Tell your provider:

• If you are pregnant or might be pregnant
• What medicines you are taking, including herbs, supplements, and other drugs you bought without a prescription

You may be told to temporarily stop taking blood thinners. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), clopidogrel (Plavix), warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), and heparin.

You may feel some discomfort in the area where the needle was inserted. This should last only a few hours.

You may be told to take it easy for the rest of the day.

Your pain may become worse for 2 to 3 days after the injection before it begins to improve. The steroid usually takes 2 to 3 days to work.

If you receive medicines to make you sleepy during the procedure, you must arrange for someone to drive you home.

ESI provides short-term pain relief in at least one half of the people who receive it. Symptoms may remain better for weeks to months, but rarely up to a year.

The procedure does not cure the cause of your back pain. You will need to continue back exercises and other treatments.

ESI; Spinal injection for back pain; Back pain injection; Steroid injection – epidural; Steroid injection – back

Dixit R. Low back pain. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Gabriel SE, Koretzky GA, McInnes IB, O’Dell JR, eds. Firestein & Kelley’s Textbook of Rheumatology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 50.

Mayer EAK, Maddela R. Interventional nonoperative management of neck and back pain. In: Steinmetz MP, Benzel EC, eds. Benzel’s Spine Surgery. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 107.

Narayan S, Dubin A. Nerve blocks: spine. In: Argoff CE, Dubin A, Pilitsis JG, eds. Pain Management Secrets. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 43.

Updated by: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Epidural Corticosteroid Injections | Johns Hopkins Medicine

What is an epidural corticosteroid injection?

In the simplest of terms, an epidural corticosteroid (steroid) injection is a way to deliver pain medicine quickly into the body with a syringe.

The medicine is injected into the epidural area. This is a fat-filled area that covers the spinal cord to protect it and the surrounding nerves from damage.

Sometimes pain relief is short term. Other times the benefits continue for some time.

Why might I need an epidural steroid injection?

If you have intense, difficult-to-treat pain in your legs or arms from inflamed spinal nerves, then an epidural steroid injection might give you quick relief. Often, nerve passages from the spine to your arms or legs become narrowed, causing this pain. This narrowing can cause inflammation of the spinal nerves.

A number of conditions may add to this narrowing, including:

• Herniated disks
• “Slipped” vertebrae
• Joint cysts
• Bone spurs
• Thickening ligaments in the spine because of spinal arthritis

Injected steroids reduce inflammation and opens up these passages to provides pain relief.

What are the risks of an epidural steroid injection?

An epidural steroid injection generally causes no problems. If you do have side effects, they may include:

• “Steroid flush,” or flushing of the face and chest, with warmth and an increase in temperature for several days
• Sleeping problems
• Anxiety
• Menstrual changes
• Water retention
• In rare instances, pain that actually increases for several days after the procedure

Serious complications are rare but can include:

• Allergic reaction
• Bleeding
• Nerve damage
• Infection
• Paralysis

How do I get ready for an epidural steroid injection?

Tips for preparation include the following:

• An epidural steroid injection is generally an outpatient procedure. You may be asked to change into a surgical gown to make the injection process easier.
• You may want to ask for a mild sedative, but most people receive just local anesthetic.
• If you have diabetes, an allergy to contrast dye, or certain other medical conditions, you’ll want to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before getting the procedure.

Based on your medical condition, your healthcare provider may request other specific steps.

What happens during an epidural steroid injection procedure?

An epidural steroid injection is a simple procedure:

1. Your healthcare provider will use an X-ray machine showing moving images on a screen to guide the needle as he or she makes the injection and ensures that the needle is in the correct location.
2. Contrast dye is injected at the site to make sure that the medicine will be sent to the exact place it needs to go.
3. The healthcare provider will inject the steroid medicine itself, often along with a local anesthetic to help with pain relief.

What happens after an epidural corticosteroid injection procedure?

Once the procedure is done, you can return home. Usually, you’ll be able to return to normal activities on the next day. The steroids usually begin working within 1 to 3 days. In some cases, you might need up to a week to feel the benefits.

Many people get several months of improvement of pain and function from the injections. If the injection is effective, it can be repeated. If you have any side effects, be sure to contact your healthcare provider.

If you don’t have pain relief, talk with your healthcare provider. This may be a sign that the pain is coming from some place other than the spinal nerves. 

Next steps

Before you agree to the test or the procedure make sure you know:

• The name of the test or procedure
• The reason you are having the test or procedure
• What results to expect and what they mean
• The risks and benefits of the test or procedure
• What the possible side effects or complications are
• When and where you are to have the test or procedure
• Who will do the test or procedure and what that person’s qualifications are
• What would happen if you did not have the test or procedure
• Any alternative tests or procedures to think about
• When and how will you get the results
• Who to call after the test or procedure if you have questions or problems
• How much will you have to pay for the test or procedure

Epidural Steroid Injection | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

This information will help you get ready for your epidural steroid injection (shot) at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK).

back to top of page

About epidural steroid injection

Figure 1. Epidural space

The vertebrae (the individual bones of the spine) are separated by elastic layers called discs.
A bulging disc (when it moves out of place) can irritate the spinal nerves. This causes back pain and neuralgia.
A steroid injection can relieve nerve swelling. This will help ease the pain.

The epidural space starts at the base of the head and ends below the hips (see Figure 1).
The steroid can be injected anywhere in the epidural space. Your pain doctor will determine the most appropriate injection site based on the location of the pain source.

back to top of page

One week before your procedure

Ask questions about your medications

You may need to stop taking certain medications before your procedure. Below are some common examples.

• If you are taking blood thinning medicine, ask your prescribing doctor when you should stop taking it and when you can start taking it again. Examples of such signs:
  • Heparin
  • Rivaroxaban (Xarelto®)
  • Apixaban (Eliquis®)
  • Warfarin (Jantoven® or Coumadin®)
  • Dalteparin (Fragmin®)
  • Tinzaparin (Innohep®)
  • Enoxaparin (Lovenox®)
  • Clopidogrel (Plavix®)
  • Cilostazol (Pletal®)
• Steroids can temporarily increase blood sugar levels. If you are taking insulin or other diabetes medications, you may need to change your dosage. Ask the doctor who prescribed your diabetes medication what you should do the morning before your procedure.
• If you are taking antibiotics, tell the doctor who will be giving you the steroid injection. Your procedure may need to be rescheduled.

Arrange for someone to take you home

You must have a responsible escort to take you home after the procedure. The responsible escort is the person who will help you get home safely. This person should be able to contact your healthcare team if there is any concern. Arrange this in advance, before the day of the procedure.

If you are unable to find a responsible escort to take you home, please call one of the agencies below. You will be provided with an escort to take you home. These services are chargeable and you will need to provide transportation. You can take a taxi or rent a car, but in this case you will still need to have a responsible escort with you.

back to top of page

1 day before your procedure

If you have a fever of 100.5°F (38°C) or more, call the doctor who gave you the steroid injection.

back to top of page

Day of procedure

Things to remember

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
• If you are between the ages of 11 and 50 and could become pregnant, your doctor will ask you to take a urine pregnancy test before your procedure. This is necessary because you will be exposed to radiation from a fluoroscopy machine (a type of x-ray).

What to bring

• a list of all medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, patches and creams;
• pain medications you are taking.

Where to Park

The MSK Garage is located on East 66 ^th Street between York Avenue and 1 ^st Avenue. For parking pricing, call 212-639-2338.

To enter the garage turn onto East 66 ^th Street from York Avenue. The garage is located about a quarter of a block from York Avenue. It is located on the right (north) side of the street. A pedestrian tunnel leads from the garage to the hospital.

Other parking garages are located at the following addresses:

• East 69th Street between 1st and 2nd Avenues;
• East 67th Street between York Avenue and 1st Avenue;
• East 65th Street between 1st Avenue and 2nd Avenue.

Where to go

The procedure will take place in the main building of the MSK center. The most convenient entrance is at: 425 East 67 ^th Street (between York Avenue and First Avenue).

While in the hospital, take elevator A to 3rd ^{floor. The procedure will be carried out in room A341.}

What to expect

When you arrive at the hospital, you will be asked to spell and spell your first and last name several times, as well as your date of birth. This is necessary for your safety. On the same day, people with the same or similar names can be operated on. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown and remove beads, chains, and earrings if you are wearing them. The pain doctor will explain the procedure in detail and answer your questions.

When it’s time for your procedure, you will be assisted to lie down on the treatment table. You will be placed in a prone position with a pillow placed under you. Using fluoroscopy (a type of x-ray), the doctor will determine the right place for the injection.

When the correct area is found, you will be given an injection of a local anesthetic (medication that numbs an area of ​​the body). You may feel a slight prick with the needle, followed by a burning sensation. The doctor will then insert an epidural needle into the area where the local anesthetic was injected. After making sure that the needle is placed correctly, you will be injected with a steroid. The doctor will then remove the needle and apply a bandage to the injection site.

This procedure takes approximately 15-30 minutes.

back to top of page

After the procedure

At home

During the first 24 hours (1 day) after the procedure:

• Do not drink alcoholic beverages.
• Do not drive or do other activities that require a clear mind.
• Do not remove the bandage from the injection site. This can be done 24 hours after the procedure. You can take a shower when you remove the bandage.
• take pain medication as prescribed.

After the injection, you may experience temporary pain relief for several hours while the local anesthetic is in effect. Within 24 hours after the injection, pain may increase. Within 5 days, until the steroids take effect, the pain may return. Talk to your doctor about taking an extra dose of pain medication to relieve your symptoms. If you are in severe pain, or if the pain does not stop within 48 hours (2 days), call your pain doctor.

Side effects

Some people experience side effects after an epidural steroid injection. The most common of these include:

• headache;
• temporary weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arms and legs;
• some soreness at the injection site;
• a feeling of fullness or pressure in the back;
• restlessness or insomnia.

back to top of page

When should you contact your healthcare provider?

Call your healthcare provider if you have:

• the temperature has risen to 100. 5 °F (38.5 °C) or higher;
• after 48 hours, the pain intensifies or occurs in a different place;
• new symptoms develop, such as shooting pain, burning, or tingling in the back or legs;
• leakage, redness, or swelling at the injection site;
• loss of control over bowel movements or urination;
• any unexplained or unexpected problems.

back to top of page

Vertical anesthesia – what is it

Alpatov Valery Nikolaevich

Surgeon, Orthopedic Traumatologist

Clinic “Mother and Child” Kuntsevo,

— What is this miraculous pain relief and how does it differ from the well-known epidural anesthesia?

– This type of anesthesia is called Walking epidural in the West and has been used there for more than thirty years. In fact, this is the same epidural anesthesia, only “walking”, that is, the woman retains full mobility at all stages of childbirth. This effect is achieved due to the introduction of lower concentrations of anesthetics with a larger volume of dilution of the drug. That is, with standard epidural anesthesia, a high concentration of the drug eliminates pain and, at the same time, reduces the tone of the muscles of the lower extremities. The woman does not feel pain, but she does not feel her legs either.

— Why is this type of mobile anesthesia not yet widely used in Russia?

– The fact is that the condition of a woman who has received any anesthesia must be continuously monitored. If she lies and cannot go anywhere, it is easier for the medical staff to monitor her pressure, pulse, and fetal heartbeat. That is, in ordinary maternity hospitals there is not enough staff for such monitoring. At Lapino, we offer “mobile” anesthesia to everyone, because our specialists are ready to closely monitor all patients and take responsibility for their well-being by regularly taking readings from monitors. In addition, very soon we will have remote sensors that will allow us to take readings from a woman under anesthesia, not connected by wires to medical devices. Such modern equipment has already been successfully tested in our hospital.

— What is the technique for administering this anesthesia?

– First, the skin and subcutaneous tissue are anesthetized at the site of the proposed epidural anesthesia. Then, at the level of II–III or III–IV lumbar vertebrae, a puncture and catheterization (a catheter is inserted) of the epidural space are performed. The catheter remains in the epidural space throughout all births and the drug flows through it. A loading dose of anesthetic is introduced fractionally – a larger volume, but a lower concentration. If necessary, the doctor will add a corrective dose, depending on the effect. With “walking” anesthesia, a woman will in any case have to lie down for 40 minutes to monitor uterine tone, pulse, pressure and fetal heartbeat. Then the patient undergoes a muscle test according to the Bromage scale. It is necessary to get a score of “zero” on this scale – this means that a woman can easily tear her straightened leg off the bed, that is, muscle tone is sufficiently preserved. Now the patient is able to get up and move freely, experiencing contractions in a way that is convenient for her.

— What preparations are used in Lapino for “walking” anesthesia?

– All modern drugs of the latest generation. For example, “Naropin” – it anesthetizes and at the same time causes less muscle relaxation than lidocaine and marcaine.

— Are there any contraindications?

– As with conventional epidural anesthesia, anesthesia is not done in case of inflammatory processes in the injection area, severe bleeding, blood clotting disorders, increased intracranial pressure and some diseases of the central nervous system.

– What side effects may occur?

– After any type of regional (epidural) anesthesia, most patients experience an expected decrease in blood pressure. Anesthetists monitor this indicator and, if the pressure drops by more than 10%, tonic drugs are administered to normalize it.

— At what stage of labor can I get “walking” anesthesia?

– On any, as well as epidural.

— Are there cases in which anesthesia is required?

— Doctors strongly recommend the use of anesthesia for certain medical reasons, for example, in connection with the diagnosis of preeclampsia (preeclampsia) or in case of incoordination of labor.

We also offer the use of anesthesia at will to all other women in labor who are not burdened by any diagnoses, because with epidural anesthesia, women get less tired and maintain an adequate perception of what is happening, which means they retain the ability to more consciously participate in the process of their birth.

THINGS TO KNOW

Regional anesthesia – anesthesia of a specific area of ​​the body, without falling asleep. Anesthetics block nerve impulses passing through the spinal roots – pain sensitivity is dulled. For 50 years of the use of anesthesia in childbirth, no harmful effects of painkillers on the fetus have been identified.