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What Causes Upper Back And Arm Pain After Lumbar Puncture Procedure?

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Posted on Thu, 19 Apr 2018
Question: I am having upper back and arm pain after my spinal lumber puncture. the pain is going up to my hand. Is this normal m
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Some adverse effects may be encountered in the first days.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using Healthcaremagic.com.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

In some cases, a lumbar puncture may result in undesirable adverse effects in the first couple of days.

It is okay to have more fluids, but most important is to rest for two or three days.

You can use simple painkillers such ibuprofen also.

If your symptoms persist more than 72 hours after the lumbar puncture, you should be evaluated by the Doctor that performed it and probably you may need a spinal MRI to understand better what's going on.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Kind regards.




Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (45 minutes later)

Hello,

My doctor gave me one day off of work. I am supposed to go back to work tomorrow.
I've read that the pain is usually in the lower back, is the upper shoulder and hand pain typical? I have also been vomiting and can't hold a lot of fluids down. Is this also a side effect.

Thank you for the reply.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Vomiting is a possible adverse effect too.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

Vomiting is also a possible side effect of lumbar puncture, and together with pain in your upper shoulder and hand, are probably caused by the temporary lowering of the cerebrospinal fluid pressure.

This pressure lowering may cause small spinal cord displacements inside the spinal canal.

I think you may need more than one day off from the work.

Please discuss with your Doctor about your issues if no improvement in a couple of days.

Hope I helped you.

Regards.


Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4493 Questions

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What Causes Upper Back And Arm Pain After Lumbar Puncture Procedure?

Brief Answer: Some adverse effects may be encountered in the first days. Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for using Healthcaremagic.com. I have read your question and understand your concerns. In some cases, a lumbar puncture may result in undesirable adverse effects in the first couple of days. It is okay to have more fluids, but most important is to rest for two or three days. You can use simple painkillers such ibuprofen also. If your symptoms persist more than 72 hours after the lumbar puncture, you should be evaluated by the Doctor that performed it and probably you may need a spinal MRI to understand better what's going on. Hope you found the answer helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further. Kind regards.