As far as pain with an epidural, I'm convinced it's the technique of the anesthesiologist. I had surgery back in '97 and they recommended one for better recovery, however after much poking and proding, I demanded them to stop, I'd deal with the post surgery in my own way.
Had one at some point during labor with my oldest. This dr didn't poke nor prod nor cause discomfort. He ended up being the same for the spinal for my third child and....performed my spinal tap. I'm convinced it's technique by virtue of this one doctor.