Epidural alternatives?

With my first, I got an epidural.  I think I opted for it because I was scared and didn't know what kind of pain to experience.  I'm sure most everyone has a crazy story about their epidural, but I didn't like mine.  I had a terrible reaction after it was administered and it only numbed one side. So, I am considering not getting an epidural this time.  My question is, has anyone else ever used an epidural alternative?  I don't mean natural pain management and labor classes like the Bradley method (which I'm not opposed to, just asking about a different topic right now).  Did you have a good experience, a bad experience?  Is this even possible or do I just have wishful thinking?