Spinal Anaesthetic

A spinal anaesthetic, also known as a spinal block, is a single injection of local anaesthetic into the middle of your lower back.  This differs to an epidural anaesthetic, whereby a catheter sits in an epidural space so anaesthesia can continue to be administered to extend the duration of the block.

A spinal anaesthetic lasts for about 1½ to 4 hours.

A spinal anaesthetic may be used as an alternative to a general anaesthetic for some operations below the waist, avoiding the possible side-effects of a general anaesthetic. It may be combined with a general anaesthetic so you are asleep, or you can remain awake but have a sedative to help you relax.

A spinal anaesthetic can be used for:

• Orthopaedic lower limb surgery
• General surgery, including hernia repair, varicose veins, and haemorrhoids
• Vascular surgery
• Gynaecology surgery
• Urology, including prostate removal and bladder surgery.

What happens during this procedure?

You will be helped into the correct position for the spinal injection. You will either sit on the side of the bed with your feet on a low stool or you will lie on your side, curled up with your knees tucked up towards your chest. The skin around the injection site will be cleaned with antiseptic and you will be given an injection of local anaesthetic to numb the area.

Your Anaesthetist will then administer the spinal injection into the epidural space, the area surrounding the spinal cord and the nerves coming out of it. You may feel some pressure or a dull ache but the injection is not generally painful.

When the injection is finished, you will be asked to lie flat. Within five to ten minutes you will be numb and unable to move your legs or feel any pain below the waist.

How long will it take to recover?

After a spinal anaesthetic you will need to rest until the effects have worn off. Feeling and movement should return to normal within a few hours, often beginning with a tingling sensation.

If returning home within 24 hours of having a spinal anaesthetic you will need someone to drive you.

Recovery will be depend on the treatment you have received. Your consultant will advise how long you should rest for and when you can resume your normal activities.  If you have bruising and tenderness around the injection site this can be relieved with painkillers and an ice pack.

Need Help?

At One Healthcare we can book you in to see a specialist Pain Management or Spinal Consultant, usually within 48 hours, for an initial consultation.  Spinal anaesthetic is available at One Ashford Hospital in Kent and One Hatfield Hospital in Hertfordshire.

You can use your private medical insurance or pay for your Spinal Anaesthetic treatment. We offer competitive, fixed price packages. If you are using your health insurance, please contact your insurer first for approval and let them know you’d like to be treated at either the One Ashford Hospital or One Hatfield Hospital.

Why One Healthcare

• Modern purpose-built hospital opened in March 2016 (Ashford) December 2017 (Hatfield)
• Fast access to diagnostics including MRI, X-ray and Ultrasound
• 0% and low finance options**
• Private, spacious, en-suite rooms
• Specialist Physiotherapy and nursing teams
• Little or no waiting time
• ‘Ultra clean air’ theatres
• Freshly prepared food
• Calm, dignified experience

**Terms and conditions apply

Contact us and find out more

If you live in and around the Kent area and would like to visit our One Ashford Hospital please click here

If you are based in and around Hertfordshire and would like to visit the One Hatfield Hospital please click here.