Expert Advice   Print Version Q. My doctor said I need to have a spinal tap. What is this test, and why do I need it? A. The purpose of a spinal tap is to get a sample of the cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the spinal cord. The fluid is usually very clear, and it contains proteins, sugar, and other substances that can be found in blood. It typically doesn't contain red blood cells or many white blood cells. A spinal tap checks the pressure and content of the fluid. Your doctor may want to check for evidence of bleeding, an increase in white blood cells (infection fighting cells, dead cells are "pus"), an increase in protein level, or inflammation signal a problem such as infection, tumors, or a hemorrhage around the brain or spinal cord. To obtain the fluid sample, a needle will be inserted into your spinal canal in the lumbar region. Print Version		Anatomy and Function of the Spine Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis Diagnostic Tests for Spine Problems Q. When can I play golf, ride a bike, or go hiking after spine surgery? A. It depends on the type and location of your surgery. A micro-discectomy… Clicking on any of the links will take you to a Web site to which this Privacy Policy does not apply. You are solely responsible for your interactions with such Web sites. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

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