What are the risks of getting a tattoo up your spine?

Question

I am thinking about getting butterflies tattoed up my spine, I am just wondering what the risks of this are of getting a tattoo there, or for the matter a tattoo anywhere. I am also wondering if people think this is a good place to get it, I saw a really pretty picture once while looking for tattoo ideas online. I would also like to dedicate them each to a person who has been important to me so far in my life. If you think butterflies aren't the best choice please do speak up.. and also.. are there any ways you can almost, test how much you would like the idea, to kinda try out the tattoo before you get it?

I am aware of the amount of pain, I understand that getting a tattoo in a particulary "boney" area is much more painful that somewhere where there is more skin.

Answer 1

I haven't really heard of any risks particularly on your spine, but you can get ink poisoning and diseases if the needles aren't new and the place isn't clean no matter where you get your tattoo. I have a butterfly on my spine right below my neck, and yes the spine is a painful place to get a tattoo. Overall, I thought it all pretty much hurt the same,.. but i can deal with pain so i really didn't think it was that bad. I decided to get a butterfly because it symbolizes a new beginning, or at least that's what it said when i looked it up. I also got it because I had particular colors that I wanted in my tattoo and i love butterflies.


If you want to see my tattoo:
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a127/ShadyxxxAftermath/25022.jpg

Answer 2

I have a 15cm flower going right down my spine from the back of my neck to between my shoulder blades and it hurt more than childbirth! I have a couple of other small tatts and the one on my spine hurt a LOT more.

There are no particular dangers having one in that spot though - just take all the usual precautions that you would use for a tattoo anywhere - Go to a reputable artist, make sure they use single-use needles, autoclave all their reusable equipment, wear gloves, have clean premises, are licensed and registered with the health dept etc.

I don't know if there is a way to 'test' the idea - I always wait a year from the time I first choose a tattoo design until I actually get it - that way I know it's not just a phase. Also you should probably choose an artist who will discuss the design and make you feel really comfortable with your decision.

The butterflies dedicated to special people seems like a lovely idea, but will butterflies be less 'cute' when you're not in your early 20s anymore? Remember this will be on your back when you are a middle aged mum, a mature, greying businesswoman and an 85 year old great grandmother. Not trying to put you off, but just pointing out some facts to consider.

Ignore all the ignorant scaremongerers who are telling you that you will get hepatitis or not be able to have an epidural (this is actually an urban myth). If you really want to do it and have put lots of though into it, then I say go ahead. You will be making a beautiful, permanent record of people who have had an important impact on your life.

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What are the risks of getting a tattoo up your spine?
I am thinking about getting butterflies tattoed up my spine, I am just wondering what the risks of this are of getting a tattoo there, or for the matter a tattoo anywhere. I am also wondering if people think this is a good place to get it, I saw a really pretty picture once while looking for tattoo...

Answer 4

Well I have my whole back down and I'm fine!! If you are worried about dirty needles go to a better tattoo place seriously!! I have a lot of tattoos and zero problems!! There is a little pain in some areas of your back including your spinal cord area but really not that bad. needles are cleaned everyday in a machine that gets into the 1000 degree range killing everything and anything. if you see a big kilm looking thing then you know they clean there needles and I'm sure every tattoo place does. Good luck on your tat and I'm sure you will be fine.

Answer 5

It's always a little more sensitive close to the bone, but it's more irritating than anything else. You might want to check out different types of butterflies to represent the different people. Take an encyclopedia with you, if you do, as the tattooist can't read your mind, and you'll save money on this kind of custom work if you show him the butterflies you want. When he has drawn up a design that works well, you'll know right then if you like it or not. Good luck!

Answer 6

Tattoos and MRI Scans
From Karen Hudson,
Your Guide to Tattoos / Body Piercings.
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Many people with tattoos will eventually face the need of an MRI scan for some sort of medical diagnosis. I get a lot of emails from concerned adults who wonder if their tattoos may interfere with their ability to get an MRI. Even I have been told on several occasions that being tattooed would impede my ability to get an MRI scan if the need arose. After much research and discussing this issue with several tattoo artists, MRI patients and an MRI technician, it is time to lay this question to rest.
The first thing we need to understand is what MRI actually is and why you may need an MRI scan some day. MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, which is the process used for creating pictures or images of the inside of our bodies in the form of very thin “slices”. The images created are used to diagnose more obscure medical maladies such as multiple sclerosis, infection of the brain or spine, tendonitis and even the early stages of stroke to mention just a few. The two major functions of an MRI machine is a powerful magnetic field and radio frequency pulses, which used together send signals from the MRI machine to our body and then back to a computer, which then converts mathematical data into an image. (For more detailed information on how MRI works, I recommend this informative howstuffworks.com MRI guide)

It is the powerful magnetic force that creates a concern, not only to those who are tattooed, but also to anyone with metal objects in their bodies such as implants (dental or otherwise), pacemakers or even metal fragments. The magnetic force of an MRI machine is so strong, even the “weakest” machine used (about 0.5-tesla) is 10,000 times the strength of the Earth’s magnetic field. Even small metal objects such as paperclips or keys can become projectile weapons if left in an MRI room during a scan.

So, what does all of this have to do with tattoos? Well, it appears that about 20 years ago and further, tattoo ink was sometimes comprised of small fragments of metal as well as other ingredients. This was long before tattoos were ever regulated and before more serious thought was given as to the safety of tattoo ink ingredients. Some MRI patients who have had tattoos that dated back far enough to have received ink that contained metal bits have reported slight discomfort to severe pain during an MRI scan.

It is purported that the reason for this was that the magnetic force pulled on the metallic fragments so violently that it caused a burning sensation in the location of the tattoo. I have heard some theorize that this may have been caused by built up friction between the particles, and some say that the magnetic force was actually tearing at the skin as the fragments were pulled and attempted to actually break away from the skin. I don’t know which, if either, is true; however, even if there is no pain at all, these fragments can cause artifacts, which is the technical term used for distortions in MRI scans. Artifacts can render a scanned image useless, requiring that the procedure be done again or even an alternate procedure be used to acquire accurate information. So, at the very least, you could be stuck with a very expensive bill for nothing -if, of course, your tattoo actually contains these metal particles.

How can you know if your tattoo contains metal? Well, there is no really easy way to know for sure unless you have access to a very high-powered metal detector. But don’t fret – if your tattoo was obtained within the past 20 years you are almost assured that this is not going to be an issue for you. Even if your tattoo is older than 20 years old, that doesn’t mean the ink absolutely contained metal. And even if it did contain metal, that does not mean you absolutely will have a problem with getting an MRI. If you find yourself at this juncture, it will be best for you to inform your doctor of your concerns and let them help you make an informed decision. Remember that there are always alternatives to MRI – people with pacemakers and metal implants (among other things) also have to find other diagnostic methods. Your doctor can help you decide if you might be at risk and, if so, what alternate options are available to you.

Answer 7

the only real risks are infections etc from the dirty needles and what not as people have said.
tattoos are an art and what you have described will look amazing when done so by a good professional in a clean studio. you should not encounter any difficulty.
as for trying it out maybe get some temporary ones or trace some on and take a few photos to see how it looks?

Answer 8

I commend you on doing your research before making this life altering decision! Refer to the websites below. One thing you should be aware of is that your spine will be a particularly painful place to get a tattoo. However, the location of your tattoo shouldn't have an affect as far as risks go. It may take a little longer to heal. The tattoo sounds really cute! Good luck!

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tattoos-and-piercings/MC00020

http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetails.aspx?p=240&np=297&id=2066

http://ezinearticles.com/?Potential-Risks-Of-Getting-A-Tattoo&id=233833

Answer 9

The risks are the same with any other tattoo. And to "test" this idea out, I suppose you could buy a bunch of temporary tattoo butterflies & and have someone put them on your back.

Answer 10

One of the most obvious risks is getting hepatitis from dirty needs or a dozen other nasty bugs that can be passed to you from a dirty tattoo shop.

To be honest I am 43 years old and I guess my perspective on life is a bit different that when I was 18 or 20. When your 20, body tattoos can be hot, exotic and a conversation piece. Your biggest risks is when your my age, becoming totally sick of your skin art as you get older, but at that point your stuck. Depending upon what you do in life, exposed tattoos just dont cut it in the business field. You do not see CEO's and executives of major corporations with neck, face, or exposed tattoos etc.

Those cute butterfly's in your 20's will look like gross birds or something as your skin stretches and looses with age.