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Spinal Block
Sylvia Wood, RN, CNM, MSN
A spinal block (also called a spinal) involves an injection in the lower back that numbs the lower body. With a spinal, the medication is given only once (as compared to an epidural). It begins to relieve pain almost immediately, but pain relief lasts only 1-2 hours.
A spinal is most commonly used when pain relief is needed for a limited period of time, such as for a cesarean delivery or a vaginal delivery in which the doctor uses instruments to help the baby out. Side effects are similar to an epidural.
Sometimes a spinal is given along with an epidural. This provides you with immediate pain relief, with the option of more medication if you need it.
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Information specialists at the March of Dimes answer your questions by e-mail and online chat.
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