Question 1

disc issues and soreness after spinal tap, i thought firm bed was best but too painful, what is best type of bed support for sensitive backs?

Accepted Answer

Pain in an area: of your back after a spinal tap may take a few days to resolve. Avoidance of direct pressure to the site is generally advised. This can be accomplished with use of pillows especially those long skinny round ones to prop you up on your side in a comfortable position. If the problem persists after a few days I would contact your doctor and have them have a look at things.

Question 2

1 1/2 years ago i got really bad headaches and all the symptoms of meningitis. so did my 21 year old daughter no tap. beginning of this year started with small headaches.now i have had severe headaches stiff sore neck no fever.had spinal tap not meningiti

Accepted Answer

Headaches : Headaches (and stiff neck) can have many causes and can be very tricky to diagnose and treat. If you are not experiencing relief with your current treatment, you may want to see a doctor that specializes in headaches - usually a neurologist. Ask you doctor for a referral to someone they know and trust in your area.

Question 3

after microdiscectomy will a spinal tap affect back?

Accepted Answer

Likely Not: A lumbar microdiscectomy removes a portion of the herniated disc, a spinal tap removes fluid from csf. Unless your surgery was done recently, having a spinal tap done after  a discectomy should not be a problem.

Question 4

i got a spinal tap / lumbar puncture today?

Accepted Answer

If you have a: Specific question about the procedure or symptoms afterwards then please clarify and re-ask the question.

Question 5

i have severe back pain following a spinal tap?

Accepted Answer

Let the doctor know: There are many reasons for there to be pain after a lumbar puncture. Let the doctor know and have them take a look.

Question 6

what's the difference between a spinal tap and lumbar puncture?

Accepted Answer

Same thing : Lumbar puncture is the proper term.

Question 7

is it bad to experience severe back pain following a spinal tap?

Accepted Answer

Usually not: Not necessarily-usually resolves unless spinal headache is present which can resolve 99% of time with rest and fluids.

Question 8

is an exray of the spine and a spinal tap ok for testing for a spinal tumor? had both tests and results were normal

Accepted Answer

No tumor: The best test to look for a spinal tumor is an MRI (usually with contrast).  A spinal tap can look for cancer cells in the fluid, but only if that specific test is ordered.  An xray really only looks at the bones, not the spine.  If there was a bony abnormality, an xray would show it.  If your doc ordered a spinal tap, he was probably looking for something like inflammation, not tumor.  Good luck!

Question 9

after spinal tap (lumbar puncture) done in january 2013, my back is still in a great amount of pain. what could this be?

Accepted Answer

Not the tap: It would be unusual for a spinal tap to cause lasting symptoms.  Your pain may be related to the condition that warranted the spinal tap in the first place.

Question 10

my granddaughter had two attempts today for a spinal tap. was unable to get fluid both times. tonight is in a lot of back pain. is this normal?

Accepted Answer

Yes: It is normal to have some pain after a spinal tap.  I would expect the pain to eventually resolve 100% - the time frame is different for each individual, but most patients will be better within a few days.  Try ice and anti-inflammatories.  See a physician if significant pain persists for greater than 10 - 14 days.

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Doctor answers about:

How long is your back sore after having spinal tap

A member asked:

Disc issues and soreness after spinal tap, i thought firm bed was best but too painful, what is best type of bed support for sensitive backs?

A member asked:

1 1/2 years ago i got really bad headaches and all the symptoms of meningitis. so did my 21 year old daughter no tap. beginning of this year started with small headaches.now i have had severe headaches stiff sore neck no fever.had spinal tap not meningiti

A member asked:

After microdiscectomy will a spinal tap affect back?

A member asked:

I got a spinal tap / lumbar puncture today?

A member asked:

I have severe back pain following a spinal tap?

A member asked:

What's the difference between a spinal tap and lumbar puncture?

A member asked:

Is it bad to experience severe back pain following a spinal tap?

A member asked:

Is an exray of the spine and a spinal tap ok for testing for a spinal tumor? had both tests and results were normal

A member asked:

After spinal tap (lumbar puncture) done in january 2013, my back is still in a great amount of pain. what could this be?

A member asked:

My granddaughter had two attempts today for a spinal tap. was unable to get fluid both times. tonight is in a lot of back pain. is this normal?

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