This procedure is used extensively in both anaesthesia and pain management specialities. In fact with the availability of epidural catheters, the block is being increasingly used for various continuous pain relief measures. The access to epidural space in lumbar area is used for acute pain relief, chronic pain problems, spinal cord stimulators and opioid infusion system.
The procedure is done with or without X-ray guidance (as the need may be). Patient will be either sitting, lying to one side or prone depending on the indication for intervention. The procedure is done under local anaesthesia

1. Patients are advised of sensory changes related to local anaesthetic & expectation that symptoms will return or increase following the procedure.
2. Increased symptom may be managed with rest, ice, & appropriate use of analgesics.
3. Pain diaries to be maintained
4. Patient should be re-evaluated in 2 weeks.