Can You Get An Epidural If You Have A Spine Tattoo
According to the practitioners in the process of placing an epidural catheter while childbirth it could possibly cause a spine tattoo ink to enter spinal components that can increase the risk of potential infection during childbirth.
Can you get an epidural if you have a spine tattoo. The needles used for spinal or epidural anesthesia do not carry pieces or even particles of skin or tissues into the spinal or epidural spaces. After all you managed to get a lower back tattoo so clearly youre tolerant of pain. It is worth recognizing though that according to the American Pregnancy Association Very few studies have been done on the risks that could exist for women who.
This narrowing can cause inflammation of the spinal nerves. Generally back tattoos or tattoos that cross or run along the spine are of the most concern. And if youre planning to get an epidural during labor you might want to avoid getting a tattoo on your lower back.
If possible the anesthesiologist might choose a different space along your lower back. But reports of tattoo-related epidural complications are very rare and controversial. As long as the tattoo ink is dried and the wound is healed sticking that needle through it wont be risky.
Unfortunately there is not yet a ton of medical research on the safety of administering epidurals through a tattoo. Patients with low-back tattoos can safely get epidurals. Most pregnant women who have lower back tattoos can receive epidurals.
Depending on your attachment to your tattoo you may want to forgo getting the epidural and make your way through labor the natural wayusing breathing and relaxation techniques to conquer the pain. Theoretically there is some risk that the tattoo ink could be introduced into the spinal canal. I have a tattoo on my spine and I was told that something with the ink gets into your spinal fluid and it makes the epidural useless.
However doctors are not yet sure what kind of effect this could have on your health. The exception would be if the tattoo covers a large area and is still fresh meaning the involved skin is still healing. Aug 03 2006 I have a tattoo on my spine can I still get an epidural.