Inadequate pain control after spine surgery in adults can result in increased patient morbidity and length of hospital stay, whereas improved postoperative pain control has been demonstrated to have numerous physiologic benefits and to reduce postoperative complications. When administered systemically, the amide local anesthetic lidocaine has potent anti-inflammatory properties, including inhibition of the arachidonic acid cascade and production of eicosanoids and prostaglandins. Previous studies have confirmed that the continuous intravenous administration of lidocaine during and after abdominal surgery in adults improves patient rehabilitation (specifically, pain intensity, duration of ileus, incidence of nausea and vomiting), and shortens hospital stay. The beneficial anti-inflammatory properties versus untoward side effects of the local anesthetics appear superior to steroids and the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Moreover, concern and controversy exists regarding the adverse effects of NSAIDs on bone healing, particularly in adults undergoing spine surgery.