What is 'spinal anesthesia'?

What is 'spinal anesthesia'?

Spinal anesthesia is an example of a regional anesthesia technique. A spinal needle is placed in the lumbar spine after the back has been prepped and draped to prevent infection. The spinal needle enters the sub-arachnid space where the cerebral spinal fluid is. The way you identify proper location of the needle is by the return of that spinal fluid through the needle. A small amount of local anaesthetic is then placed in the spinal canal. It anesthetizes the spinal cord and the painful impulses that would have normally travelled through the spinal cord to the brain where it is perceived, are therefore blocked. Spinal anesthesia is a very effective anaesthetic for any operation below the umbilicus.