Regional Anesthesia in Minimally Invasive Lumbar Spine Surgery

This study investigates whether regional (nerve-blocking) anesthesia techniques used during minimally invasive lumbar spine surgery can reduce pain after the procedure, potentially decreasing the need for opioid pain medications. You may be eligible if: - You are 18 to 80 years old - You are scheduled for minimally invasive lumbar spine surgery (such as discectomy, spinal fusion, or decompression) for degenerative disc disease - You are willing and able to give consent You may NOT be eligible if: - You currently use opioid pain medications regularly (more than 30 mg morphine equivalent per day) - You have an implanted pain device (like a spinal cord stimulator or intrathecal pump) - You are allergic to bupivacaine, clonidine, or similar local anesthetics - Your surgery is for a reason other than degenerative disease (such as cancer, infection, or trauma) - You have chronic kidney disease (stage 3 or higher) or liver failure - You are pregnant - You have a condition that would prevent accurate pain assessment after surgery - You are involved in active workers' compensation litigation related to your condition Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.