What Is a Spinal Tap?
A spinal tap, also known as a lumbar puncture, is a medical procedure where a needle is inserted into the lower back to collect a small sample of cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid surrounds the brain and spinal cord, and testing it can help doctors diagnose various conditions.
The procedure is commonly used to investigate suspected meningitis, certain cancers, bleeding around the brain, and inflammatory conditions affecting the nervous system such as multiple sclerosis. Although the idea may seem intimidating, lumbar punctures are standard procedures performed regularly by skilled professionals in hospitals throughout the UK.
During the procedure, you will usually lie on your side with your knees drawn up towards your chest, or sometimes sit leaning forward. This position opens up the spaces between the vertebrae in your lower back. A local anaesthetic numbs the area before the needle is inserted between two vertebrae to reach the fluid filled space around the spinal cord.
Why a Spinal Tap Can Cause Back Pain
Some degree of discomfort or pain around the puncture site is common after a lumbar puncture. The needle passes through skin, muscle and the tough membranes that protect the spinal cord. This can leave the area feeling tender or bruised for a few days.
In most cases, this back pain is mild and settles within a week or so. You might notice stiffness or aching in your lower back, particularly when sitting or bending. This is usually a normal part of recovery rather than a sign of any serious problem.
Occasionally, the pain can be more persistent. This may happen if there is local inflammation or muscle spasm. In rare cases, the needle may touch a nerve root during the procedure, though techniques are specifically designed to avoid this. These issues usually resolve on their own with time and simple pain relief, although individual recovery can vary.
Resting for around 24 hours after a spinal tap and avoiding strenuous activity for a few days is generally recommended, though your healthcare team may give you specific advice based on your circumstances. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help manage any discomfort. If you have concerns about which pain relief is suitable for you, check with your pharmacist or GP. Patients taking blood thinners or those with certain health conditions should discuss their situation with their medical team before and after the procedure.
Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.
Spinal Headaches and Other Possible Effects
Back pain is not the only after effect people experience. Spinal headaches are one of the more common complications, occurring in roughly 10% to 30% of patients depending on various factors. These headaches happen when cerebrospinal fluid continues to leak through the puncture hole in the membrane, causing a drop in fluid pressure around the brain.
A spinal headache typically feels worse when sitting or standing and improves when lying flat. It often develops within 24 to 48 hours of the procedure. Drinking plenty of fluids, resting and taking standard pain relief can help. If the headache is severe or does not improve after a few days, contact your hospital or GP as a treatment called a blood patch may be needed.
Other possible effects include:
- Temporary numbness or tingling in the legs
- Minor bleeding or bruising at the puncture site
- Infection at the site, though this is rare
- Intracranial hypotension from ongoing fluid loss
Serious complications from a lumbar puncture are uncommon. The procedure is generally safe when performed by trained staff in an appropriate setting. Your hospital should provide you with follow up instructions and a contact number for any concerns.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Most back pain following a spinal tap will ease within a few days to a week. However, there are times when you should contact your GP or the hospital team that carried out the procedure.
Seek advice if your back pain is getting worse rather than better, or if it spreads down your legs. You should also get help if you develop a fever, notice redness or discharge from the puncture site, or experience problems with bladder or bowel control. These could be signs of infection or nerve involvement that need prompt attention.
If you have a severe headache that does not respond to rest and fluids, or if you develop a stiff neck alongside your symptoms, contact your healthcare team promptly.
For general information about lumbar punctures and what to expect, the NHS website provides reliable guidance. Your hospital should also give you a contact number to call if you have any concerns after the procedure.
Back pain after a spinal tap can be frustrating, especially when you are already recovering from whatever condition required the test in the first place. For most people, the discomfort tends to be temporary and can often be managed with rest and basic pain relief, although individual experiences may differ. If your symptoms persist beyond a couple of weeks or you are worried at any point, speaking to a healthcare professional is always a sensible step.
Someday the pain is worse then other. Like today my back is on a 10 right now. Most day I break down and ask my wife mom for some perc 10.s bc the pain is so bad. Whatever the doc did to me I swear I'd love to punch on em I'm 24 and feel like I'm 80 when the pain is super bad I'm hunched over and cant stand up str8 I build fences for a living so imagine doing that with the pain
After they had a spinal tap months later the same thing happen to them . So I need help with knowing if this is accually true ! If anyone can comment on this or lmk if they are in the same sisuation for they know of it being true that would be great !!!!
Ask Back Pain Expert a question
Ask our editorial team a question and we will reply with our advice. Tell us as much about your situation as you can: the more detail you give, the more useful our answer can be.
You do not need to use your real name. Please do not include your full address, phone number, email address, or the names of other people. We may edit or remove identifying details for privacy and legal reasons.
Comments are moderated before publication.