HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Lumbar Puncture
How It Feels
Some people find it uncomfortable to lie curled up on their side. The soap may feel cold on your back. You will probably feel a brief pinch or sting when the numbing medicine is given. You may feel a brief pain when the spinal needle is inserted or repositioned.
During the procedure, the needle may touch one of your spinal nerves and cause a tingling feeling, like a light electrical shock, running down one of your legs. The needle will not touch or damage the spinal cord.
You may feel tired and have a mild backache the day after the procedure. Some people have trouble sleeping for 1 to 2 days.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference August 30, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Joseph O'Donnell, MD - Hematology, Oncology |
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