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Spinal anesthesia

Spinal anesthesia is the injection of medicine near the spinal cord and the nerves around it in the lower back. It is used to numb the body below and sometimes above the site of injection. This may be used for some surgeries in the belly, legs, groin, and genitals.

First, the area is numbed. Then the spinal medicine is given through a needle.

Current as of: May 1, 2026

Author: WebMD Ignite Staff

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All WebMD Ignite education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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