QUESTION: "I had a spinal tap about six weeks ago. I still have severe pain in my lower back were the needle was inserted, and the pain goes down through my legs. Is this a normal side effect of the spinal tap?"
ANSWER: "It is not normal to have pain radiating down one's legs this long after a spinal tap. If there is any weakness in your legs or any fevers, please see your physician immediately as there may be an infection or abscess at the spinal tap site. I would suggest seeing your physician and possibly getting an MRI of your lumbosacral spine."
• Dr. Donna Casey, internal medicine physician
E-mail jstjames@wfaa.com
