Decrease (-) Default Increase (+)
Pay my bill
 
Health information provided by Mayo Clinic

In epidural analgesia, pain relievers are injected into the epidural space, which is within the spinal canal but outside the spinal fluid. A long, thin tube called a catheter (box, upper right), inserted between two vertebrae in the lower back, delivers the medication.

Return to Pain after surgery: How pain medications and anesthesia can help

© 1998-2009 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Reliable tools for healthier lives," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.