Spinal epidural block is a method in which medications are injected directly into the source of pain. As a result, there is a loss of sensitivity in the affected area.
The therapeutic effect is achieved due to the simultaneous administration of several drugs. In particular, the constituent components have a pronounced analgesic effect with a maximum concentration in the lesion. There is also a reflex effect at all levels of the nervous system.
What is spinal blockade?
What is epidural anesthesia, and what are the indications for its implementation - these and many other questions interest patients. This is one of the most common types of local anesthesia used in medical practice. Blockade is carried out on various areas of the spinal cord, depending on the type of surgical intervention. In obstetrics, it is used in the lumbar region, as anesthesia during cesarean section or for pain relief during childbirth.
A few years ago, cesarean section was performed exclusively under general anesthesia. The drugs used for anesthesia have a lot of side effects. The consequences of epidural blockade during cesarean section are less deplorable, since there are practically no side effects in the mother and fetus. The main advantage of this type of anesthesia, in contrast to general anesthesia, is the preservation of the mother’s consciousness. However, it is worth remembering that it is far from always possible to apply this technique, which is why a preliminary examination and consultation with a doctor is required.
How is blockade of the spine
Knowing what epidural anesthesia is and what indications it has, we can determine the feasibility of its implementation. The procedure requires minimal preparation of the patient. Blockade involves the injection of an anesthetic drug under x-ray control, ensuring the accuracy and complete safety of the manipulation. On average, the introduction of the drug lasts no more than 20 minutes. The analgesic effect occurs almost immediately and lasts up to 6 months.
When carrying out anesthesia in case of serious back problems, the doctor observes the patient for 1-2 hours in a hospital, and then lets him go home. If the blockade provided the desired result, but its effect was short-lived, then the reintroduction of the medication is possible.
Indications
Many are interested in how they do epidural anesthesia and what indications for it. In particular, this procedure is carried out:
- with cesarean section;
- natural birth;
- pregnancy accompanied by hypoxia;
- impaired fetal heartbeat;
- severe illness in the woman in childbirth;
- incorrect position of the fetus;
- abnormalities of labor.
In addition to obstetrics, epidural blockade during operations is widely used. In particular, it can be carried out:
- during operations in the perineum;
- surgical intervention in the abdominal cavity;
- urological operations;
- surgical intervention in vascular surgery;
- operations on joints, bones.
This procedure can be used in conjunction with general anesthesia. This will significantly reduce the dosage of painkillers that the patient will subsequently need.
The main advantages of epidural blockade
Such a procedure has certain advantages, in particular, such as:
- the patient is conscious;
- stability of the cardiovascular system;
- can be used with a full stomach;
- does not irritate the respiratory tract;
- eliminates postoperative pain.
When using anesthesia for cesarean section or during childbirth, there is no toxic effect on the body, and also no fetal hypoxia occurs. Do epidural anesthesia, the patients decide with the doctor, according to available indications and given contraindications.
Contraindications
Anesthesia with the introduction of an anesthetic into the epidural space, in addition to indications for use, has certain contraindications. That is why you need to consult a doctor, as well as undergo a full examination. Contraindications can be local and absolute. The latter include:
- epilepsy;
- liver pathology;
- neurotic disorders.
In addition, it is important to take into account local contraindications, which include such as:
- the presence of inflammatory processes in the field of localization of pain;
- deviations from the development of bone structure;
- individual intolerance to the components of the anesthetic.
The procedure is not performed for bleeding disorders, in case of a serious condition of the patient, as well as during lactation (breastfeeding).
Why does the back hurt after the procedure
Many patients report back pain after epidural anesthesia .
Painful sensations can occur for a variety of reasons. First of all, the patient must understand that absolutely any intervention in his body can lead to side effects. If the injection is carried out in the area of the spine, then the pain will be a completely natural process, however, it will not last very long. The maximum duration of pain is only a few days.
The back hurts after epidural anesthesia is not very severe, the pain is somewhat dull, which is very similar to pain after regular injections made in other parts of the body. This is provoked by the fact that catheter or needle irritation occurs in adjacent tissues. Over time, such pain will pass without the use of any medications or additional procedures.
If the back hurts after epidural anesthesia and an inflammatory process is observed, this may mean that an infection was introduced at the injection site. This option is possible only if the medical staff did the wrong procedure and did not disinfect the medical instruments, which led to infection. With infection, a headache additionally occurs, the temperature rises, and the heartbeat becomes more frequent.
Often, the back hurts quite badly after epidural anesthesia. What to do and how to solve this problem, you need to know for sure, as this can be the cause of very serious violations. That is why, if the slightest soreness occurs, you must definitely consult a doctor to conduct an examination and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Medical errors during the procedure
If the back hurts after epidural anesthesia, this may be the reason that the injection is not delivered correctly. It is worth noting that medical errors are quite rare. As a rule, they are associated with insufficient experience of the doctor. Consider some of the effects of anesthesia during childbirth.
The doctor during the procedure may touch the roots of the spinal cord. It is very difficult to get into the epidural space, therefore, during the procedure, it can also be affected:
- blood vessels;
- hernias;
- ligaments of the spine.
Damage to the nerve roots of the spinal cord is especially dangerous.
Since there are many blood vessels in the injection area, the doctor may stumble on a plexus of veins. In this case, the pain passes on its own, without medical intervention. The risk of this kind of injury increases in patients taking medications to improve blood flow.
Also, during the procedure, a hernia may be affected. In order to avoid such consequences, it is necessary to conduct a full examination of the spine before the blockade.
Nerve endings may be damaged. In this case, the consequences can be very serious. It all depends on how deep the needle has entered. As a result of this, various kinds of neurological abnormalities may occur. As you can see, the consequences of medical errors can be very serious, so a qualified and experienced specialist should carry out the blockade.
Pain relief after the procedure
In operations, epidural anesthesia is used in extreme cases, since it carries a risk to the patient. If the spine hurts after the procedure, you should immediately consult a doctor and not endure the pain. Further actions will depend on the source of the pain. The doctor will conduct an examination and prescribe appropriate therapy. As a rule, patients are prescribed painkillers and vitamins.
If an infection was introduced during the administration of the drug, inflammation may occur. In this case, the treatment will be longer and a complex effect on the source of pain will be required. In the presence of infection, anti-inflammatory medications are prescribed, as well as antibiotics that will help eliminate inflammation and destroy the pathogen. A specific drug should be prescribed by a doctor. Self-medication in such cases is unacceptable.
Purulent formations are eliminated solely by surgical intervention. A timely visit to a doctor will prevent the further spread of infection.
To eliminate back pain after epidural anesthesia, not only painkillers are used. Other effective therapeutic modalities include:
- osteopathy;
- magnetotherapy.
Osteopathy helps restore the mobility of the damaged area of the spine. However, when carrying out such a procedure, it is necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of the body of each patient and calculate all the risks.
Magnetotherapy accelerates the ongoing regenerative processes, which allows you to recover much faster. Often a similar procedure is used during breastfeeding, as well as in the presence of contraindications for drug therapy.
The duration of treatment is determined only by the attending doctor, based on the available indications, clinical presentation and contraindications. To eliminate unpleasant painful sensations much faster, you can undergo a course of manual therapy. This will help not only eliminate pain, but also improve joint mobility, muscle tone and ligament functioning.
Prophylaxis
Knowing what it is - an "epidural during childbirth and operations", as well as what the consequences of this procedure, it is possible to choose methods of prevention to prevent the occurrence of pain. When conducting preventive measures, complications after the procedure can be significantly minimized.
Unpleasant consequences can be in overweight people, which is why you need to try to control it within the normal range. To find the optimal diet for yourself, you can visit a nutritionist. Especially carefully you need to monitor your diet during pregnancy.
It is important to do special exercises aimed at strengthening the muscles, but at the same time you need an individual approach. Therefore, it is advisable to conduct the first classes with a trainer. It is necessary to monitor the state of the immune system, especially if there is a predisposition to the occurrence of allergic reactions. In addition, taking certain medications may affect the patient's condition. Before conducting epidural anesthesia, the patient needs to consult a doctor and tell him about all the drugs that he takes.
The anesthesia procedure is necessary only in trusted clinics that have a good reputation. First you need to get acquainted with the reviews and recommendations of friends.
In the postpartum period and immediately after the operation, it is not recommended to lift weights, as this can provoke severe pain in the back. Do not overload the spine until the muscles are well strengthened.
Back pain is rarely triggered by epidural anesthesia. Often, many other factors lead to this, in particular, such as a lack of professionalism of a doctor, diseases of internal organs and excess weight. However, in any case, at the slightest alarming signs you need to visit a doctor.
Reviews
Many women are interested in what it is - an "epidural during childbirth" - and how this procedure affects the state of a woman in labor and the child. Many reviews confirm that this is a completely safe procedure, which has virtually no contraindications. In addition, with its proper conduct, there are no complications and side effects.
Many patients say that after such a procedure, only slight pain at the puncture site and slight numbness are noted. According to some people, for several days there is pain in the back and a very bad headache. In this case, the patient is shown bed rest and symptomatic therapy.