Anatomy
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What is the Epidural Space?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

The epidural space is part of the spinal anatomy, running down the spine from the area where the vertebrae meet the skull to the very end. It is of medical interest because it is used to introduce certain medications, such as epidurals used for pain management in the lower body. Clinicians must be able to locate the epidural space reliably because there is a risk of damaging delicate tissues when placing a needle in the spine.

This part of the spinal anatomy consists of the area between the dura mater, the tough fibrous tissue that surrounds the spinal cord and cerebrospinal fluid, and the lining of the vertebral canal. In different people, the size of the epidural space can vary. Along the length of the spine, this space also grows and shrinks along with the spinal cord. In areas where the spinal cord is thick, the space may be almost nonexistent because the spinal cord fills most of the spinal canal.

The epidural space protects the spinal cord from injury.
The epidural space protects the spinal cord from injury.

The body has a highly efficient design, and the epidural space is far from empty. It contains fat and blood vessels along with nerve roots that branch out from the spinal cord to innervate various areas of the body. It provides some insulation for the spinal cord, protecting it from injury, and its durability makes it a popular choice for administering medications because it is difficult to provoke inflammation or kill cells in the epidural space.

The epidural space may be used to introduce certain medications for pain management purposes.
The epidural space may be used to introduce certain medications for pain management purposes.

Medical imaging studies sometimes show the epidural space, depending on what angle is being used for the study and the angle used for the imaging. It is also visible during spinal surgeries that involve opening up the vertebrae to access the spinal cord. In situations where people have collapsed or slipped discs, the spinal cord may not have enough wiggle room and this can lead to pinched nerves and other problems.

The epidural space runs the length of the spine.
The epidural space runs the length of the spine.

Also known as the extradural or peridural space, this part of the spine can be located by care providers with palpation of the spine and careful placement of a needle. Needles specifically designed for use in the epidural space are often used because they are safer and more reliable than other types of needles for injections in this area. Clinicians have to be careful to avoid puncturing the dura mater and introducing the contents of the syringe into the spinal cord itself, a very undesirable situation.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • The epidural space protects the spinal cord from injury.
      By: Dirima
      The epidural space protects the spinal cord from injury.
    • The epidural space may be used to introduce certain medications for pain management purposes.
      By: chanawit
      The epidural space may be used to introduce certain medications for pain management purposes.
    • The epidural space runs the length of the spine.
      By: photoBeard
      The epidural space runs the length of the spine.