Epidural

An epidural is a common medical procedure used to provide pain relief during childbirth or certain surgeries. It involves administering anesthesia into the epidural space, a small area around the spinal cord in the lower back. This numbs the nerves that carry pain signals from the lower body, allowing the individual to remain awake and alert while feeling decreased pain sensation. The procedure is performed by a trained healthcare provider, who inserts a thin catheter into the epidural space, enabling continuous or intermittent delivery of anesthetic throughout labor or surgery.