Simulation of the insertion of an epidural needle between the spinous processes of the lumbar vertebrae. A syringe is connected to the epidural needle and the epidural space is identified by a technique to assess loss of resistance.

A needle near the spine can stop pain

An epidural works by placing medicine into the epidural space near the spinal cord. That medicine blocks pain signals traveling through nearby nerve fibers.

Epidural Administration Explained

Sagittal section of the spinal column (not drawn to scale). Yellow: spinal cord; blue: pia mater; light blue: subarachnoid space; red: arachnoid; pink: dura mater; pale green: epidural space; taupe: vertebral bones; teal: interspinous ligaments.

It does not go into the spinal cord

The needle is guided between bones and ligaments until it reaches the space just outside the dura mater. In the lower back, this is usually done below the end of the spinal cord, which helps keep the risk of cord injury low.

Epidural Administration Explained

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