Are lumbar punctures really necessary?Aren't they painful?

Unfortunately some medical procedures are very painful but
also very necessary. As far as an LP (lumbar puncture, old term/spinal tap) goes they
can be quite uncomfortable. There are a couple of reasons an LP would be performed but
the most common reason is to rule out (R/O) meningitis. Meningitis may have a viral or
bacterial etiology. Generally, viral meningitis is not fatal. However, bacterial
meningitis can be rapidly fatal. As a matter of fact, death may come as early as 12-24
hours after the very first signs and symptoms. This is why the LP must be done if
meningitis is suspected.

There is not an alternative test
for meningitis, in other words why cant they just do a simple blood test? Because one
doesn't exist.

A lumbar puncture is a sterile procedure in
which a spinal needle is inserted into the subarachnoid space at the level of L4 (right
above or right below) to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The CSF is then
analyzed in the medical laboratory to determine if the patient has meningitis. Time is
of the essence because if the patient does in fact have meningitis, treatment can be
initiated quickly.

Common signs and symptoms of meningitis
are severe headache, stiff neck (nuchal rigidity), fever, and
nausea/vomiting.