How they work
A fine needle places local anaesthetic near the nerves in your lower back, blocking pain signals from the lower body. A spinal is a single injection into the fluid around the spinal cord; an epidural sits just outside it, often with a thin catheter so pain relief can continue and be topped up.
What it feels like
After the skin is numbed you may feel pressure, but not sharp pain, as the block is placed. Your legs grow warm, heavy and numb over a few minutes. During surgery you might sense movement or pushing — never pain. Many people choose light sedation alongside it.
Afterwards
Sensation and movement return gradually as the block wears off. An epidural catheter can keep you comfortable for hours or days. We watch your blood pressure and your legs closely until everything is back to normal.