BACK PAIN AFTER LUMBAR PUNCTURE

  JUST YESTERDAY MY HUSBAND WAS SEEN IN THE E.R. WITH HIS CHIEF COMPLAINT BEING SEVERE HEADACHE (BLINDING, FAINT FEELING).  EARLIER IN THE WEEK  HE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGY ATTACK AND WAS PUT ON PREDNISONE FOR COUGHING AND TIGHTNESS IN HIS CHEST.  THEY DID A LUMBAR PUNCTURE AND CAT SCAN. BOTH  WERE NEGATIVE AND HE WAS SENT HOME ON KWELCOF, PROVENTIL AND VICODIN AS WELL AS BIAXIN.  WE WERE WONDERING IF THE LOWER AND FLANK PAIN HE IS EXPERIENCING IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PUNCTURE OR JUST MUSCLE FATIGUE DUE TO COUGHING OR LAYING IN BED FOR 24 HOURS AFTER THE PUNCTURE ? ALSO, THEY HAD TO PERFORM THE LUMBAR PUNCTURE 3 TIMES BEFORE THEY COULD GET FLUID. THANKS FOR YOUR RESONSE.
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Dear Patti,
A lumbar puncture is a routine study done in such situations and is
generally well tolerated.  Patients may feel a 'twinge' down the spine
and into the legs during or shortly after the procedure, but this resolves
on its own.  Occasionally a patient has persistent headaches upon standing
which signals a persistent leak of spinal fluid.  This is treated with
a blood patch.  Persistent low back pain and flank pain are not typically
associate with this procedure.
Speak to your physician if your husband's problems persist.
Good luck.