Spinal Anesthesia
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
What you need to know about spinal anesthesia:
Spinal anesthesia is medicine to numb part of your body so you do not feel pain during surgery. Spinal anesthesia is injected into your lower back. You may need this for surgery such as a hernia repair, C-section, or appendix removal. You may be numb to your waist or to your nipple line, depending on the surgery.
How to prepare for spinal anesthesia:
You may not have time to prepare for surgery. If you have time to prepare, your surgeon will tell you how.
- If you smoke, your surgeon will instruct you to stop at least 24 hours before you have anesthesia.
- You may be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight before surgery. Ask someone to drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours after surgery.
- Tell your surgeon about all your current medicines. He or she will tell you if you need to stop any medicine for the surgery, and when to stop. He or she will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of surgery.
- Tell your surgeon about any allergies you have, including to anesthesia or medicines. You may be given an antibiotic to help prevent a bacterial infection.
What will happen during spinal anesthesia:
Your healthcare provider will inject medicine into your lower back. You will be awake during surgery but may be given medicine in your IV so that you are sleepy. Your lower body will be numb and you will not be able to move your legs when the medicine starts to work.
What to expect after spinal anesthesia:
You will be able move your legs in 1 to 4 hours when the medicine wears off. You will be taken to a room where you can rest until the numbness goes away. You will be taken to your hospital room or sent home. You may have nausea, itching, or dizziness from the anesthesia. These should last a short time.
Risks of spinal anesthesia:
You may have a severe headache after the procedure. You may have an allergic reaction to the anesthesia. You may have bleeding in your spine. You may develop low blood pressure. The medicine could make you numb above your waist. This may cause nausea or difficulty breathing. You may have trouble urinating. You may have nerve damage that causes chronic numbness or pain. You may develop meningitis (a brain infection). This can be life-threatening.
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- You have trouble breathing.
- Your heartbeat is slower than usual.
- You have a seizure.
Seek care immediately if:
- You develop hives or swelling.
- You have a headache for longer than 48 hours.
- You have a severe headache along with a fever and stiff neck.
Call your doctor or surgeon if:
- You have a new or worsening headache, or pain that does not get better with pain medicine.
- You have trouble urinating after the anesthesia wears off.
- You have constipation that lasts longer than 3 days.
- You have questions or concerns about spinal anesthesia.
Medicines:
Your healthcare provider may recommend the following to relieve a headache or backache:
- Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Self-care:
- Drink more liquid. Liquids help prevent a headache caused by dehydration. Do not drink alcohol. Caffeine may help relieve a headache. Limit the amount of caffeine you have. For example, have 1 small cup of coffee. Wait 30 minutes to see if the caffeine helps your headache before you have more coffee. Too much caffeine can cause a headache or make it worse.
- Lie flat if you have a headache. Try to lie still for at least 30 minutes when the headache begins.
- Ask when you can drive. Your healthcare provider will tell you when it is safe for you to drive.
- Limit activity as directed. You may need to do light activities for up to 6 weeks after you have spinal anesthesia. Do not lift anything heavier than 5 pounds until your healthcare provider says it is okay.
Follow up with your doctor or surgeon as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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