An epidural is a type of pain relief medicine given through a thin tube placed in your back. The tube is called a catheter, and it lets the anesthesia team give local anesthetic, which is medicine that numbs pain, and other pain medicines. It can be used during surgery, after surgery, or for both.

An epidural can help numb the lower part of your body, and the tube can stay in place so you can get more pain relief if needed. It is often used for childbirth, and it can also be used for some operations and for pain control after surgery.

Usually, the steps include being monitored, getting an IV in your arm, sitting up or lying on your side, and having your back cleaned and numbed before the tube is placed. Some people have it while fully awake, and some have sedation, which means medicine that makes you sleepy and relaxed.