Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 1/29/2008

Question
In one week, I will receive a lumbar epidural for lower back pain (degenerative disc disease, arthritis, last facet jt). The anesthesiologist said I must undergo General Anesthesia for the procedure. I asked why, since I never needed that for my C section 5 yrs ago and was awake then. He said it would make the procedure more accurate. Is this common practice, to be put under completely for a lumbar epidural?

Answer
Hi Jen
I'm not sure how common this practice is in the UK but I know my local Chronic Pain colleagues do not do these under General Anaesthesia. In fact I've had several of them and all have been under local anaesthesia.
This is outside my knowledge beyond what happens in my locality with colleagues I know - so I can't really answer your question. However I feel it must be fairly unusual these days and I cannot see how general anaesthesia can help with accuracy. I trust this anaesthetist is a specialist in the management of chronic pain.
Sorry can't give any more help than that.
Kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson