What happens right after the procedure?

A person is taken to the surgery recovery room after the procedure. If sedatives were used, the individual may feel groggy for a few hours. Pain medication can be given as needed. The pain medication can be given through an intravenous line in the arm or hand, or through the tube in the spinal column if one was used.

The numbness and paralysis usually go away within a few hours. The individual is asked to lie flat on his or her back for an hour or more after the procedure. This can help prevent problems with the injection site in the back. A short hospital stay may be needed to recover from major operations. In some cases, the person is able to go home later the same day. If sedatives were used, someone must drive the person home. After childbirth, a woman usually stays in the hospital at least overnight.