Dr. Alex Jimenez, El Paso's Chiropractor
I hope you have enjoyed our blog posts on various health, nutritional and injury related topics. Please don't hesitate in calling us or myself if you have questions when the need to seek care arises. Call the office or myself. Office 915-850-0900 - Cell 915-540-8444 Great Regards. Dr. J

Spinal Tap used to Diagnose, Administer Medicine, and Imaging Assistance

Most of us have heard the term spinal tap, or have seen it on a tv medical drama show. It is known as a lumbar puncture, but what does this procedure involve and how is it utilized? What to know. This procedure is performed in the lower part of the back. It can be used for:

A spinal tap is performed by a doctor or nurse trained to do lumbar punctures. A specialized needle is inserted between the vertebrae to collect cerebrospinal fluid. Cerebrospinal fluid is a watery, colorless fluid that cushions the spinal cord and brain, protecting them from injury/damage. Questions may arise as to when an individual would need a spinal tap, how dangerous it is, and what to expect from this procedure?

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Spinal Tap used to Diagnose, Administer Medicine, and Imaging Assistance

Spinal Tap Utilization

Spinal taps are often utilized in helping to diagnose infections of the central nervous system. One of the most common infections is meningitis. A sample of cerebrospinal fluid is taken, tested, and if infectious organisms are growing within, these are clue/s for determining and customizing a treatment plan and antibiotic therapy. The procedure also helps with:

  • Identifying central nervous system disorders, like multiple sclerosis, or epilepsy for example.
  • Diagnosing cancers that affect the brain or spinal cord
  • Administration of chemotherapy or anesthesia

Spinal taps are also used with imaging assistance.

For example, a contrast dye can be injected into the cerebrospinal fluid to get an anatomical view of the spinal cord and coverings. They are quite helpful when an individual cannot have an MRI done.

Spinal cord coverings from cross section of a nerve

Spinal cord rear view

  1. spinal cord
  2. arachnoid
  3. dorsal rootlets of the
  4. spinal nerve
  5. the spinal nerve of
  6. the posterior surface of the body of the vertebra
  7. conus medullaris
  8. cauda equina
  9. filum terminale
  10. subarachnoid space

A spinal tap is done in a hospital or outpatient facility, depending on the reason for the tap. It is not an emergency procedure. Emergencies bring to mind situations and events that have to be done within seconds/minutes. A lumbar puncture does not entail that type of action.

Preparation

Listen and follow the provider’s instructions regarding what to eat and drink.

  • An individual could be told to not eat or drink anything for a specific set of hours before.
  • Any prescription/s, over-the-counter meds, and drug allergies need to be disclosed to the medical team that will perform the procedure.
  • Individuals can wear their own clothes but preferably loose-fitting and comfortable should be the objective.
  • Once at the location a hospital gown is given to the patient for the procedure.
  • The day of the appointment, tell the doctor of any unusual symptoms.
  • Have a designated driver for the ride home, as sometimes a patient can feel weak and dizzy after the procedure.

The Procedure

A tap is a simple procedure that usually takes a half-hour or less to complete.

  • The patient sits bent forward or lying down on the side.
  • The knees should be pulled up as far as possible with the chin down into the chest curled into a ball.
  • This arcs the back and spaces out the vertebrae, so there is a wider area for the needle to enter.
  • The skin is cleaned with an antiseptic.
  • A sterile sheet or towel is placed over the patient that has an opening exposing the lower back.
  • Local anesthesia is injected to numb the area.
  • Unless the doctor instructs movement, remaining still is key as the advancement of the needle into the small area is a delicate procedure.
  • There is an initial what feels like a stinging sensation, but the patient does not feel the actual needle as it advances.
  • The needle gets inserted into the spinal space where the cerebrospinal fluid resides.
  • The cerebrospinal fluid pressure is measured.
  • Sometimes an ultrasound or specialized x-ray technique, known as fluoroscopy is used to locate the best place for the needle.
  • This is where the reason for the tap determines what action is taken. Either medicine is administered or a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid is taken.
  • The needle is retracted.
  • A bandage is applied.
  • Spinal tap pain is rare, but sometimes the needle can brush a nerve root when it is inserted. It could feel like an electric shock down the leg.
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Spinal Tap used to Diagnose, Administer Medicine, and Imaging Assistance

Recovery

Once finished, the patient lies on their back for 30 to 60 minutes so the doctor can check for any abnormalities or affects. Being sent home depends on the reason for the tap. If there is unexplained fever, nausea, etc, a patient will not be sent home.

If it was an outpatient procedure the patient can leave and resume some simple activities after having a few hours of relaxation. Temporary pain meds are prescribed to address any discomfort. Results could come a day or a week later. They depend on the reason for the spinal tap.

Risks and Complications

It is considered a safe procedure with rare complications. The most common effect is a headache and usually comes on several hours, to a day or two later. These will not lead to any neurologic problems. Water or tea can help prevent and reduce the headache. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help too. However, if the headache continues after two days, call the doctor. A very small possibility of a more severe complication could happen including:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Numbness
  • Brain herniation or movement of the brain tissue from the added pressure
  • Nerve or spinal cord damage

This is a very safe procedure with the medical team being highly trained and skilled professionals that are careful and gentle.

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Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*

Post Disclaimer

Professional Scope of Practice *

The information herein on "Spinal Tap used to Diagnose, Administer Medicine, and Imaging Assistance" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

Blog Information & Scope Discussions

Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, acupuncture, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.

We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.

We are here to help you and your family.

Blessings

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182

Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*

Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
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Our Purpose & Passions: I am a Doctor of Chiropractic specializing in progressive, cutting-edge therapies and functional rehabilitation procedures focused on clinical physiology, total health, practical strength training, and complete conditioning. We focus on restoring normal body functions after neck, back, spinal and soft tissue injuries.

We use Specialized Chiropractic Protocols, Wellness Programs, Functional & Integrative Nutrition, Agility & Mobility Fitness Training, and Rehabilitation Systems for all ages.

As an extension to effective rehabilitation, we too offer our patients, disabled veterans, athletes, young and elder a diverse portfolio of strength equipment, high-performance exercises, and advanced agility treatment options. We have teamed up with the cities premier doctors, therapists, and trainers to provide high-level competitive athletes the possibilities to push themselves to their highest abilities within our facilities.

We’ve been blessed to use our methods with thousands of El Pasoans over the last three decades allowing us to restore our patients’ health and fitness while implementing researched non-surgical methods and functional wellness programs.

Our programs are natural and use the body’s ability to achieve specific measured goals, rather than introducing harmful chemicals, controversial hormone replacement, unwanted surgeries, or addictive drugs. We want you to live a functional life that is fulfilled with more energy, a positive attitude, better sleep, and less pain. Our goal is to ultimately empower our patients to maintain the healthiest way of living.

With a bit of work, we can achieve optimal health together, no matter the age or disability.

Join us in improving your health for you and your family.

It’s all about: LIVING, LOVING & MATTERING!

Welcome & God Bless

EL PASO LOCATIONS

East Side: Main Clinic*
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste 128
Phone: 915-412-6677

Central: Rehabilitation Center
6440 Gateway East, Ste B
Phone: 915-850-0900

North East Rehabilitation Center
7100 Airport Blvd, Ste. C
Phone: 915-412-6677

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CIFM, IFMCP, ATN, CCST
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El Paso, TX 79936
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Disclaimer *

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

phone: 915-850-0900

Licensed in Texas & New Mexico *

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CIFM, IFMCP, ATN, CCST
My Digital Business Card

Post Disclaimer

Professional Scope of Practice *

The information herein on "Mastering the Pilates Neutral Spine: Benefits and Technique" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

Blog Information & Scope Discussions

Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, acupuncture, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.

We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.

We are here to help you and your family.

Blessings

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182

Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*

Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
My Digital Business Card