Having Back Pain. Will It Be Safe To Get Hot Stone Massage Before A Spinal Tap?

Posted on Wed, 20 Mar 2013

Question: I am scheduled to have a spinal tap on Friday, my back hurts really bad, So. I wanted to get a hot stone massage on thursday. Should I wait until after the spinal tap, so the spinal tap will be accurate

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (50 minutes later)

Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The pain in the back that you are having is commonly seen due to positional anomaly causing a muscle pain. Getting a hot stone massage is not recommended before a spinal tap. The following measures will help you with the pain:-
Have a Warm shower.
Sleep on an electric heating pad under the area that is bothering you.
Stretch you muscles really well to keep them loose.
To keep your muscles warm during the day, there are many topical creams and
lotions.
Take diet XXXXXXX in calcium, vitamin D and minerals.
You can wait for the massage until after the tap.
Hope this answers your query. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar