Epidural Anesthesia – Similar to spinal anesthesia the patient’s lower back is cleaned and anesthetized.  But unlike spinal anesthesia the numbing medicine is delivered to the space just outside the spinal sac called the epidural space using a tiny catheter.  This space contains the nerves that supply pain sensation to the torso and lower body.  By administering the numbing medicine into this space the anesthesiologist blocks the pain sensation.  This type of anesthesia is suitable for laboring patients and for pain control after certain procedures.