Getting a tattoo is generally more painful due to the presence of multiple nerve endings, close proximity to bones without much fat, or thin skin. The spine is one of the most painful spots to get a tattoo due to its bony nature and the proximity of the spinal cord and nerve endings. Research indicates that individuals with tattoos may have a higher pressure pain threshold compared to those without prior tattoo experience.
Spine tattoos can be particularly painful in areas like the love handle area and upper back towards the neck, which can be more sensitive than shoulder blades. Dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD, also notes that getting a tattoo in sensitive locations such as the ribs, feet, or around the ears can be more painful due to the amount of tattooing.
The pain associated with tattooing can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the location of the tattoo, the type of tattoo, and the type of tattoo artist. The spine is a sensitive area due to the proximity of the spinal cord and nerve endings, making it difficult to predict exactly how painful the tattoo will be.
Another factor to consider is the pain level survey by tattoo artists and enthusiasts. A tattoo on the spine can be particularly painful because the bones are just under the skin, and the vibrations from the tattoo machine will radiate through the neck and spine. Overall, getting a tattoo along the spine can be a significant decision for both males and females.
| Article | Description | Site |
|---|---|---|
| How painful are spine tattoos? | In short, very painful. Also, you’ll need to be able to clean the tattoo 1-2 times a day and put ointment/lotion on it. | reddit.com |
| Does it hurt to get a tattoo on your spine? | A tattoo on the spine will hurt because the bones are just under the skin, and the vibrations from the tattoo machine will radiate through the … | quora.com |
| Tattoo Pain Chart: Where It Hurts the Most or Least and Why | It’s generally more painful to get a tattoo on a part of your body with many nerve endings, close to bones without much fat, or where your skin … | healthline.com |
📹 Rating HOW PAINFUL it is getting your BACK TATTOOED! (with custom scale & coloured charts)
How painful is it to get the back tattooed? Well, I hate to scare you… but it’s pretty painful! And I can say this because I’ve …
How Much Does A Tattoo Hurt?
El dolor que provoca un tatuaje varía según varios factores. Es fundamental tener en cuenta tu tolerancia al dolor, el tamaño y la ubicación del tatuaje. Hablamos con dos expertos, Brian Keith Thompson de Body Electric Tattoo y el dermatólogo Dr. Brendan Camp de MDCS Dermatology, para entender cómo influye el dolor en el proceso de tatuaje y cómo manejarlo. Las sensaciones durante el tatuado pueden incluir ardor y escozor, siendo el umbral personal de cada individuo el principal determinante del dolor experimentado.
La duración del dolor posprocedimiento también es relevante; durante los primeros seis días, es probable que el área del tatuaje esté adolorida y algo hinchada. Algunas personas han encontrado que factores como el descanso adecuado, tener el estómago lleno y la conversación amena con el artista pueden ayudar a mitigar el dolor.
Los lugares donde el tatuaje causa más dolor son aquellos con menos grasa, más terminaciones nerviosas y piel más delgada, como las articulaciones y áreas cercanas a los huesos. Al realizar encuestas entre artistas y entusiastas, se identificaron los lugares más dolorosos y se clasificaron en una escala, donde el rango de 1 a 10 ilustra la subjetividad del dolor, que puede variar ampliamente. Las áreas como la parte interna de los codos y las rodillas suelen ser las más dolorosas, mientras que lugares como el antebrazo suelen resultar menos molestos.
Las gráficas de dolor de tatuajes ayudan a ilustrar las variaciones en el dolor en diferentes zonas del cuerpo. Aunque la experiencia de dolor es inevitable, generalmente se siente como una molestia moderada que puede ser soportada. En resumen, aunque el dolor es parte del proceso de tatuarse, existen formas de prepararse y superarlo, y es importante recordar que en muchas ocasiones, la recompensa valdrá la pena el malestar inicial.
Can A Bicep Tattoo Hurt?
Las nervios perturbados pueden provocar espasmos dolorosos durante el proceso de tatuarse. Las zonas del estómago tienen un nivel de dolor que varía entre alto y severo (7-9/10), influenciado por el peso corporal y la tensión de la piel. En el caso de los tatuajes en el bíceps interno, el dolor se califica en 7/10, presentado un nivel alto, aunque no severo. La curación en esta área puede tardar más. Por otro lado, el brazo externo/bíceps es la zona menos dolorosa del brazo para tatuarse.
Aunque el área interna del bíceps es más sensible, el dolor es manejable y con la liberación de endorfinas, se convierte en una experiencia soportable. Muchas personas se preguntan sobre el nivel de dolor de los tatuajes en el bíceps, y la respuesta es que el bíceps interno tiende a ser más doloroso debido a su piel más delgada y con más terminaciones nerviosas. Los dermatólogos también han indicado que las áreas más dolorosas para tatuarse son aquellas con menor cantidad de grasa y más terminaciones nerviosas.
Los tatuajes en el bíceps externo son, en general, más tolerables, con un dolor aproximado de nivel 5. Es común que quienes se tatúan en el bíceps interno experimenten molestias moderadas, pero muchos quienes se han tatuado dicen que no es tan doloroso como se espera. La piel suave y suelta de esta área está llena de terminaciones nerviosas que pueden provocar dolor que se extiende por todo el brazo cuando la aguja del tatuaje contacta la piel. Este dolor se puede gestionar, y es aconsejable tomar descansos si se vuelve demasiado intenso.
Es importante recordar que cada persona tiene un umbral de dolor diferente, y la sensibilidad normal del área afectará el dolor durante el tatuaje. En general, siempre se puede esperar que si un área es sensible de manera habitual, el tatuaje en esa área también lo será. En resumen, los tatuajes en el bíceps suelen provocar molestias leves a moderadas, dependiendo de la ubicación y la persona.
Is It Safe To Get A Tattoo On Your Spine?
Getting a spine tattoo carries no more risk than getting one on other body parts, and there is no evidence suggesting that it causes paralysis. Skilled tattoo artists can safely tattoo the spine without harming the spinal cord or nerves. However, while the process may take just a few hours, it's crucial to consider the permanence of a tattoo seriously. The spine is often viewed as one of the most painful areas for tattooing, primarily due to the numerous nerve endings and the thin skin covering the bones in that region. Consequently, anyone looking to create an original design on their spine should be prepared to endure significant discomfort.
Spine tattoos can offer a striking appearance for both men and women, but potential risks should be weighed carefully. Pain levels vary from person to person; some report more discomfort around the shoulder and spine areas than directly on the vertebrae, which may also be more painful due to minimal fat and padding, similar to rib tattoos. Individuals with back issues should be cautious, as tattoo needles can carry risks of infections like HIV or hepatitis.
Research suggests that tattoos on healthy skin, even after procedures like spinal surgery, pose no additional risk. However, complications may arise if a tattoo interferes with imaging during surgery. Furthermore, spine tattoos can be inked even for those with scoliosis, and a lower back tattoo typically doesn’t hinder receiving an epidural during labor.
Ultimately, understanding the potential pain and risks associated with spine tattoos can help individuals make informed decisions before committing to a design. Proper healing and care post-tattooing are essential for maximizing safety and aesthetic appeal.
What'S The Worst Pain To Get A Tattoo At?
The experience of getting a tattoo can vary greatly in pain depending on the body location. Certain areas are generally noted as more painful due to factors like fewer fat deposits, proximity to bones, and high concentrations of nerve endings. A comprehensive tattoo pain chart categorizes these areas on a scale of 1-10, helping individuals anticipate the level of discomfort they may experience.
The most painful places to get a tattoo include the feet, ribs, spine, fingers, and shins. For instance, the feet are particularly sensitive as they have minimal fat and are heavily populated with nerve endings. Similarly, the ribcage is notorious as a difficult spot, characterized by thin skin, little muscle, and many nerve endings. Other notably painful areas are the inner thighs, groin, armpits, elbows, and behind the knees. Additionally, tattoos on the head, face, and ears are significantly painful due to the thin skin and high nerve density in these locations.
The least painful spots tend to be those with more body fat and fewer nerve endings, such as the forearms. While tattoo pain can be intense in certain areas, it's essential to remember that pain perception varies among individuals. Many people learn to tolerate the discomfort, focus on their desired design, and find ways to prepare for a smoother tattooing process.
Overall, understanding the most and least painful regions on the body can be vital for anyone considering a tattoo, allowing for informed decisions about placement. Do thorough research, seek a skilled tattoo artist, and prepare adequately to ensure that your tattooing experience is as positive as possible, regardless of the pain levels involved. With this knowledge, you can approach your tattoo journey with confidence and clarity about what to expect.
Are Back Tattoos Painful?
Tattoo Pain Scale for Upper and Lower Back: 5/10. Tattoos in the upper and lower back are considered among the least painful due to the thick skin and fewer nerve endings in these areas, placing them in the low-moderate range of the tattoo pain scale. Females generally report slightly less pain than males when getting back tattoos. Pain sensations can vary based on the specific placement on the back; certain regions may entail different pain levels throughout the tattooing process. Overall, the upper and lower back remain suitable areas for both large and small tattoo designs.
Pain ratings for back tattoos can vary; those with less muscle or fat may experience increased discomfort, while others may find the overall pain manageable. Generally, back tattoos rank between a 3-4 out of 10 on the pain scale due to the thick skin and lower concentration of nerve endings. Although the back is less painful, particular areas—like along the spine or ribs—may present increased pain due to bone proximity and heightened nerve presence.
In assessing tattoo pain across body parts, back and chest areas stand out as some of the least painful locations owing to their thicker skin and fewer nerve endings. However, close attention needs to be given to specific areas where the bone or nerves are more pronounced, leading to higher pain experiences. For instance, the spine can be quite painful, while tattoos on the shoulder blades can also be somewhat uncomfortable.
Conversely, tattoos on sensitive areas like the love handles or butt can prove much more painful compared to the back. It's essential to recognize that pain is subjective; experiences may differ widely among individuals, indicating that while getting a tattoo is generally painful, pain levels are influenced by location, technique, and individual pain tolerance. Understanding these factors allows prospective tattoo enthusiasts to make informed choices about placement for their desired tattoo art.
How Can I Make My Spine Tattoo Less Painful?
She suggests using TKTX deep numbing cream, which is available online and used at the studio. This cream is suitable for tattoos, laser removals, and piercings, with prices starting around $12. Choosing a professional artist is crucial, as their skill can significantly mitigate pain. Consulting an expert before your appointment can ease anxiety and eliminate the mystery surrounding the process. A relaxed mindset during the session will lead to a smoother experience. Engaging with individuals who have numerous tattoos or speaking with studio staff can be beneficial.
However, it's essential to note that the spine is often recognized as one of the most painful locations for tattoos due to several factors. Firstly, the spine has many nerve endings, and the area has thin skin over bony structures. The lower back tends to be more intense in pain compared to the upper regions. While tattoos are painful, they're generally manageable; most individuals tolerate the discomfort reasonably well. Pain levels vary significantly, and while it can be very painful in certain areas, it's certainly not unbearable.
Post-tattoo care requires regular cleaning and applying ointment or lotion 1-2 times daily. For someone with several tattoos, including spine work, the pain experienced is usually comparable to other areas of the body. Tattoos in more padded areas or spots with tight skin and fewer nerve endings tend to be less painful.
When considering getting a spine tattoo, understanding the pain aspect is as vital as selecting the design. To minimize pain during the procedure, follow specific strategies: select a professional artist, stay well-hydrated, avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours prior, and refrain from taking aspirin or ibuprofen beforehand. Prioritizing a good night's sleep can enhance your body's pain tolerance. Practicing slow, controlled breathing can help calm the body and diminish pain perception.
Moreover, taking breaks during the tattooing process allows for rest, and it's advisable to eat a full meal and drink water before the appointment to prepare physically. Communicating openly with your artist about pain management techniques can also contribute to a more comfortable experience. Overall, proper preparation and care can significantly enhance the tattoo experience and reduce pain.
What Does A Tattoo On Your Spine Feel Like?
The spine is a particularly sensitive area for tattooing due to its proximity to the spinal cord and numerous nerve endings, making spine tattoos often rated a pain scale of 9/10. Pain during the tattooing process can vary, and individuals may experience different sensations, such as a hot feeling from the needle against the skin. Some people worry about the potential for paralysis, wrongly assuming the spinal cord is too close to the surface.
The perception of pain from a spine tattoo can differ greatly between individuals, with matching designs in the same location eliciting varying discomfort levels. Factors like skin sensitivity and the number of nerve endings influence how each person experiences pain. Generally, areas with more nerve endings, like the spine, heighten sensitivity to touch and pain.
Some describe the sensation of getting a spine tattoo as poking or vibrations, while others liken it to a prolonged burning sensation similar to what one might feel after a piercing. Interestingly, tattoo experiences can vary widely from person to person; some report the process being less painful than anticipated, deeming their spine tattoos among the more tolerable ones.
While regions like the shoulders and upper/middle/lower back have varying pain levels (rated between 5-8/10), the direct experience of the spine tends to evoke much stronger responses due to the bones being just beneath the skin. Additionally, the vibrations from the tattoo machine can resonate through bones, intensifying the feeling of discomfort.
Understanding the unique pain experiences tied to spinal tattoos can help individuals prepare for their sessions, enabling them to remain composed throughout the process. Knowing what to expect and how to cope can ease concerns about the intense pain often associated with tattoos in this sensitive area.
Where Is The Least Painful Place For A Tattoo?
The least painful places to get a tattoo are primarily areas with thicker skin, more fatty tissue, and fewer nerve endings. The general consensus ranks the forearms as the least painful spot, followed closely by the outer upper arms, outer shoulders, outer thighs, calves, lower back, and upper back. Tattoo pain tends to be lower in regions such as the outer thighs and calves (rated around level 2 on the tattoo pain scale), making them appealing options for those who may be worried about pain during the tattooing process.
On the pain scale, areas with a higher concentration of nerve endings and less cushioning—like the fingers, ribs, wrist, and shin—are identified as the most painful spots to get tattooed. Locations close to bones or with thin skin are generally associated with increased discomfort. For example, sensitive areas include the buttocks, head, neck, foot, ankle, elbow, kneecap, and sternum.
When selecting a spot, it’s recommended to consider areas with thick skin and minimal nerves to reduce pain. Meaty parts of the body, like the upper back and outer thighs, can provide a more comfortable tattooing experience. The outer forearm remains one of the top choices for both males and females due to its tough skin and lower sensitivity.
Ultimately, while various body parts vary in pain levels, individual pain thresholds will also play a significant role in the overall experience. For those looking to minimize discomfort, focusing on body parts with more flesh, like the outer forearms, outer biceps, and the shoulder area, can be beneficial. Therefore, the characteristic of a location in terms of fat and nerve density significantly contributes to the experience of getting inked.
What Does Tattoo Pain Feel Like?
Getting a tattoo involves the use of a needle that does not penetrate deeply into the skin, resulting in sensations that many describe as akin to animal scratches or bee stings. While everyone anticipates some degree of discomfort, the intensity of pain experienced varies based on individual pain thresholds, tattoo size, and placement on the body.
The pain is often characterized as a prickling sensation or sudden bursts of sharpness, particularly in sensitive areas. Factors such as body location significantly influence pain levels; for instance, tattoos on ribs, hips, feet, and neck are generally perceived as more painful. The aftermath of the tattooing process may leave the area feeling bruised or sunburned, with sensations of soreness transitioning to itchiness as the wound heals.
To better understand tattoo pain, experts, including tattoo artists and dermatologists, have provided insight into different sensations and pain scales for various body regions. For example, certain spots may elicit a vibrating sensation when a needle is used over bony areas, while others could feel like a persistent, low-grade pain. The first 14 days post-tattooing often involve discomfort that diminishes over time, eventually leading to irritation like burning or itching.
Ultimately, tattoo pain is subjective, influenced by the individual's pain tolerance and the tattooing technique used. The overall experience can range from manageable discomfort to intense pain, especially if one is in a particularly sensitive area. Therefore, understanding these variations and taking proactive measures to minimize discomfort can greatly enhance one's tattoo experience. The guide aims to elucidate this multifaceted experience, providing practical tips and addressing common inquiries about the sensations associated with tattooing.
How Bad Does A Spine Tattoo Hurt?
Getting a tattoo along the spine can be an excruciating experience for many, ranking around 7 to 9 on a pain scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the most painful. The spine is especially sensitive due to its numerous nerve endings and proximity to bone, which contributes to the high level of pain associated with this area.
The pain from getting a spine tattoo primarily arises from the thin skin covering the bones and the concentration of nerve endings, making it one of the most painful spots on the body. Unlike upper or lower back tattoos, which may rank 5-8 on the pain scale, spine tattoos deliver a significantly higher level of discomfort. Pain levels can also fluctuate based on the size and complexity of the tattoo; smaller tattoos might be completed quickly with less soreness, whereas larger tattoos can result in considerable pain during a lengthy session.
Understanding the pain associated with spine tattoos is crucial for those considering this type of ink. The sensation can be so intense that the vibrations from the tattoo machine can feel as if they are resonating directly through the bones. Tattooing over the vertebrae tends to exacerbate the discomfort.
Moreover, various factors influence pain perception, such as individual pain tolerance and the body's anatomy. Generally, areas with more fat or cushioning, as well as fewer nerve endings, tend to be less painful to tattoo. However, many individuals report significant discomfort with spine tattoos and would advise thorough preparation.
Beyond the immediate experience of pain, potential complications can arise from getting a tattoo in this area, particularly if spinal surgery is needed in the future. Engaging with knowledgeable tattoo artists familiar with pain levels and techniques can help mitigate the agony and prepare one for the tattooing process, ensuring that those embarking on this journey understand both the emotional and physical challenges ahead. Ultimately, while spine tattoos can result in lasting art, they come with considerable and sometimes debilitating pain.
Do Tattoos Cause Pain?
Tattooing is generally a painful experience, primarily due to the process of piercing the skin with a sharp needle that deposits pigment. The level of discomfort can vary significantly among individuals, often influenced by factors such as pain threshold, tattoo placement, and the skill of the tattoo artist. Evidence suggests that individuals with prior tattoo experience may have a higher pressure pain threshold than those without. However, tattoos on areas close to bone, with high concentrations of nerve endings and thin skin, tend to be much more painful, such as on the feet, elbows, or knees.
The intensity of pain is usually greatest during the tattooing procedure itself. Once the tattooing is done, individuals may experience bruising, soreness, and swelling in the tattooed area, with swelling potentially lasting up to a week. Infections, though relatively rare—occurring in about three percent of cases—can prolong pain, with nearly four percent of individuals reporting pain lasting over a month post-tattoo, according to a 2015 study from Tulane University School of Medicine.
Some people report tattoos being very painful, while others may experience milder discomfort. Locations on the body where fat is minimal or where there are many nerve endings, such as the ribs, ankles, and neck, are likely to hurt more compared to areas like the forearm or upper arm. Furthermore, tattoo artists typically do not use anesthetics to relieve pain during the procedure, contributing to the overall discomfort experienced.
Pain associated with tattoos is shown to be subjective, as each person’s experience can differ widely. Research indicates that distraction and proper aftercare can help manage pain effectively. Being informed about the tattoos' possible discomfort levels and employing strategies to reduce pain can enhance the tattoo experience.
Tattoo pain is influenced by various factors, such as individual pain tolerance and the specifics of tattoo placement, which makes it an essential consideration for anyone planning to get inked. Overall, while tattoos are known to be painful, many individuals find the outcome worth the temporary discomfort, embracing the art form despite the varying levels of hurt they may encounter during the process.
Does A Spine Tattoo Hurt?
Tattooing on the spine, especially given its thin skin and proximity to bones, is widely regarded as a painful experience. Particularly, the lower spine is noted for its heightened sensitivity. The pain associated with spinal tattoos varies significantly, as the neck and spine are often among the most painful tattoo locations due to their abundant nerve endings.
Pain levels differ across the spinal area; for instance, regions with more muscle and fat, such as the areas around the lower back, might hurt less. However, overall, the spine is typically considered one of the most painful spots for tattoos due to two main factors: the high concentration of nerve endings and the area’s bony structure. Many people report a pain scale of around 9 out of 10 for spinal tattoos.
Personal experiences with spine tattoos reveal a range of sensations. Some individuals describe most of the tattooing process as bearable, akin to the pain felt in less sensitive areas like the arms or thighs, but note that specific spots along the spine can be unexpectedly intense, inducing a need for focused breathing techniques to manage discomfort.
In particular, the spine has a unique challenge because tattooing directly over the vertebrae is especially painful. It is essential to prepare mentally and physically for the intensity of the pain; however, individual pain tolerance and the thickness of skin covering the spine can also influence the experience.
Although some may have had less painful experiences while tattooing other parts of the back, such as the upper or lower back (scoring between 5-8 out of 10 on the pain scale), the spine’s sensitivity remains a consideration for anyone thinking about such a tattoo. Overall, while spinal tattoos offer a distinctive aesthetic appeal, the associated pain should be weighed carefully against the desire for body art in this sensitive area.
📹 VLOG: Finally got my spine tattoo! Pain Level, Healing Process, + Advice
This video follows a content creator as they get a spine tattoo. They discuss their decision-making process, their nervousness, and their pain tolerance. The creator also shares their experience with the healing process and answers frequently asked questions about spine tattoos.
Got my second tattoo on my back. Covers half my back and its still got a few sessions left. It was the worst pain i have felt, and came here to see how painful it is for other people. Im glad that Im not the only one who went into shock, but i dont regret it and im going back again in a couple weeks.
For some reason for me, the chest (specifically the sternum) was a 9.5. Almost ALMOST called it quits. Next was the neck/side of the skull/behind the ear – 9. Calves 8.5 (for some reason) Hands / Wrists – 7.5. Feet – 7.5. Inner Bicep area / Funny Bone / Ditch – 7.5 Shins – 6 Rest of arms / Meaty areas of legs – below 5.
Your scale is spot on. The sides near the arm pits had me asking ” how much longer”. I also found up on top of the shoulder had the top of my head tingling. Agree bring a pillow my artist had me hunched over then lay on my sides to get more wrapped around. A pillow for my head and between my knees was key to keep me from moving. Have 50 hours in my full back Japanese style full color piece. Love your vidoes man.
Just finished a 58 hour entire backpiece. I’ve gotta say I pretty much agree with your chart. It was really rough. I’d do 7-8 hour sessions and find hour 1 real bad, 2-5 sore but manageable, last 2-3 hours absolutely brutal. One thing I’d add to the chart is doing the white ink at the end of the piece. That was the worst pain throughout the whole lot. Going over all those spots that havent been touched in ages. The knowledge that it was the end was the only thing stopping me from my first tap out in 100+ hours of being tatted. Good luck peeps!! It’s totally fucking worth it. Its a game changer go for it.
Just had my back done, accross my lat and into ribs from kidney level to armpit to spine. Your pain chart is on point. Armpit and upper lat to me was maybe a 7, but you are spot on with that little 8.5 cheeky spot on the back. I had the same! It got to the point where I was thinking I wouldn’t make it through. Needed a 10 min sugar intake break but we did it.
Love how you mentioned how the artist works. My tattoo artist works at a famous shop in Fourt Lauderdale and specialized in Polynesian freestyle sleeves. I was getting two tattoos covered during the process (so damaged skin extra sensitive) and flew down each time so I would do 8-10 hr sessions. 22hrs were entirely outlining and the inside of the arm is extremely painful (I’ve got 7 other tattoo’s that were cake walks). Using an outline single-needle gun all my designs were done with a very heavy hand to get a deep/dark look. Shading takes like 6hrs after so all together it was about 30hrs. One session he told me to try numbing creme and while it’s okay for small tattoo’s, when it wears off everything is worse. Best to take it like a man. Appreciate the info, only have two back tattoo’s but want to do a piece and now I know what I’m in for.
Man I totally agree with the ratings, nailed every single spot. Back is not a joke, especially if you do a fuller looking piece. Regarding what you mentioned about feeling different pain on each side I can relate. I don’t know if it’s because of our heart placement or nerves, etc but my left side always hurt less than the right one. Tats( color, size, etc) and amount of time were similar! Who knows🤷 Love the vids in general, I can see your love for the ink🤘
After my 11 hr lining session for my entire back, I went to shower and had my legs give out a few times when the warm water would hit it. 😂 But in my opinion your ratings are spot-on. The ribs, lower back, and scapular regions do get pretty damn spicy. The only tattoo I came close to tapping out was my back 😂
Just got my first tattoo today. First session of a full back piece, black & grey. I got from the top of my shoulders to below my shoulder blades. I didn’t use any numbing stuff. I didnt find it bad at all, honestly, except the really dark parts started to hurt a little. I do have an incredibly high pain tolerance though. Not sure what next session will hold though.
Looking at your chart, I can definitely say the pain scores are drastically different from one person to the next. My lower right side was absolute hell, as well as the base of my neck. At the same time, as long as I can remember, ever since I was a little kid, everytime the barber had the clippers around the base of my neck, my lower right back would always spasm like no other. Such an odd experience when getting my back tattooed many years later.
I’ve my chest done, both ribs done and I went to get a full back. I did back to back to back sessions 3 days per week (Monday, Tuesday,wed) 6-7 hours per session. And I completed my my whole BNW realism in a month. My advice is never ever rush a full back, I quite literally almost died. First day was always easy, second you dread and the third you just question why are you torturing yourself this much. At this point after more than a year completing this tattoo, I’m having PTSD, I can think of the pain and just get extremely uncomfortable. PS: I love tattoos so much, definitely will be able to get over the trauma someday just not anytime soon 🤣🤣
Thank you so much for your articles. I just today got my first tattoo at 35, a very large rendering of the Roman god Janus, spanning both shoulders to the bottom of the neck and about halfway down my back. Your charts were very accurate for me, and the help I received from you and the comment section made my experience so much better. In the end, it didn’t hurt nearly as bad as I thought it would, and it’s due in large part to you and your website. Thank you, brother. 👊
I agree with the chart. I only had two tattoos so far, one medium sized one on the middle of the back and another medium sized one inside the left biceps. Didn’t remember them hurting too much. Just started covering the one on the back with a much bigger version and could hardly stand for 6h the first day. I tapped out when he put in a lot of black on the sides… Good to know I wasn’t crazy and this is indeed a painful spot to get tattooed.
Shoulder blades were an absolute torture, didn’t help that I’m very skinny. Same for anything along the spine and neck. Couldn’t believe people get their whole neck tattooed. Lower back was in general much better for me, which made me hopeful for the butt planned for the second day. The butt was still bad, but seemed more endurable overall. Making the way up to the ribcage it became worse again. Others report the butt being the worst, so it really depends on you and the design! While doing the (busy) middle of my back I started shaking almost uncontrollably, couldn’t manage my breathing very well and started twitching when he put down the needle which had never happened to me before. I even started silently crying thinking about having to go the next hours and the next day. I had never felt so weak. Only knowing it would end at some point made me endure it. Side note: I had only both my arms tattooed before this, including elbow ditch and parts of outer elbow, and did nowhere have worse pain than a 5 or maybe 6 on your scale, so I thought I’d be okay. The back had no spot below 6, most were around 8 or 9 after the initial adrenaline wore off. Different worlds.
Getting my back done right now. Just had my first session of 6 hours a couple days ago. Still have 2 more sessions to go. Middle of my back where my shoulder blades are. As well as, underneath my shoulder blades. These areas had me wanting to tap out. Haven’t gotten to the bottom of the my back yet but I know it is going to HURT! I also have my ribs done and it was my first tattoo, that pain is nothing compared to my back.
I wish I saw this before I got mine today and I still have to finish tomorrow, I’m using numbing cream. It’s the kind of tattoo where you have to fight your instincts. Pretty much everywhere hurts like hell . A inch makes a difference though because one spot may not hurt and then the gun moves a inch and it hurts
I’m so happy to have found this article. I have my consultation Coming up for my full back tattoo and this is great preparatory work. I will admit that Im nervous because I only have one small wrist tattoo and that didn’t hurt at all. But I’m very much looking forward to it as well and the pain will only make it that more worthwhile. Took me over 20 years to bring my demon geisha to life and this year she will be a part of me.
hi 19 year old girl here who js her 3rd tat: a detailed sword w shading and sparkles on it on her entire spine. it was a good hurt in some places but higher is where it started hurting especially towards the back of the neck and shoulder blades. otherwise i took a nap and we talked for the 2 hours. otherwise what i am trying to say is I COULD ALMOST NOT TAKE THE NECK AND SHOULDER BLADES IMAGINE WHAT THIS MAN IS GOING THROUGH OMG
For my first tattoo I got 3 done 1 on my left and right upper back and then large script on the upper back in one sitting with 0 breaks took about 4 hours and i thought it was easy for me personally I had a few moments of deep breaths but overall it was like a 4/10 It was extremely bearable the worst was the laying position my arm got so dead and numb
One thing to resign use from this man specifically is he intends to ink his entire body until there is no visible skin yet. Idk about the face but for the most part, the pain is magnified even greater for him because every inch of him is getting inked. It is very much true that if you get smaller pieces at different intervals the pain would be drastically more manageable
My first tattoo took up 1/3 of my back. I remember it not feeling great, but after a while my body’s endorphins kicked in. My artist was amazing: he gave me a quality tattoo in almost half the time he estimated it taking, saying I sat well. On about hour 3 of 5, I was getting ready to ask for a break—my skin was pretty raw. However, just as I was about to request a break, another artist peaked in and remarked on my artist’s good work. My artist: “Yeah, this guy just sits here and takes it.” At that moment, I was reinvigorated; I wasn’t going to request a break now because my artist was impressed. So while I was in pain, I put up with it haha. By the end, I was a dead man lol
Just done my second full day on my back (full day meaning 8 hours) first one with thin needle and thicker outline needle …. Body started shaking afterwards. Today started the shading . Half complete (shading/ colouring) will hands down say the shoulders where my point of FUCKKK!!! everyone who has a back tattoo definitely has earnt it ! This is coming from someone with chest, neck, hands, 2 sleeves, ribs, stomach and shin … this is by far the spiciest
I’m halfway thru getting a very large black crow with spead wings on my back. Faaaaaaaarrrrkkk. Couldn’t do the whole thing in one go. Damn it was so fkn painful. After the body was coloured in ( full black) i could only last thru the wings being outlined. It kinda like a inca style picture so all areas are full black . Both my arms are done, 2 swallows on my chest/ collar bones and none hurt anywhere near a 6. But if 10 means tapping out then we were at an 8 or 9 for nearly all of the filling in.
Great article and very informative. I’m getting a tattoo in the middle of my upper back next month and naturally I’m quite curious on how painful it’ll be. It won’t be my first as both my upper arms each have a tattoo. I’m trying not to psych myself out that this will be unbearable since it won’t be a full back piece. I’m sure I’ll be okay. I’m really excited to get it done! 😁
Just like you I have every square inch if my back done and you’re scale is about as accurate as mine. The only difference is my rib area was not too bad at all I would give my ribs a 4.5 actually. But by the love handles area was atleast a 11.5 it was practically unbearable 😳. I was was shaking and was going into shock from the pain. As you said pain is relative but I have no regrets on my finished piece.
I only have a forearm piece, but I watched your articles on how to prepare for tattoo sessions. Since it’s just a 3-hour forearm piece, I decided against bringing a pillow, and let me tell you, I really regretted that decision. The artist had me lie down for it, after the first hour my legs were ded. A pillow under the knees would’ve gone a long way. TL;DR listen to the man, and bring a pillow even if you think you don’t need it.
I think its different for every person. How much fat or muscle you have etc…my lower spine felt like a bone saw so much nerves lower spine not sure whats up with the 7 there. But yea shoulder blades felt like blow torch and the ribs are tender and boney so they also hurt. Only thing i disagreed with its the lower spine
Had my inner bicep and the area around the armpit done last Friday, i swear i had the elbow and knee ditches tattooed and even though they hurt and felt very weird, something about the damn inner bicep and near the armpit area made my muscles keep twisting all the way down to my thigh it was just a terrible experience lol… Even the lower back didn’t suck that much for me personally.
I just got my stomach tatted and i used numbing cream for the 1st time I didn’t feel anything Except for the sternum area i have a warrior animal and the crown has a jewel piece in the middle maybe once that single needle touched my sternum i wanted to tap i would give a 8/10 for pain Because for me the most painful was the shin or any bone tattoo I have . Also i don’t have a lot of tattoos that touch the bone probably just 3 touch the bone. I didn’t prep that area with numbing cream because i didn’t think my stomach tattoo would reach that high. idc about myself getting a back piece because i cant see it but there days where i would want one. Has anyone here used numbing cream and gotten there whole back tattooed and had the same experience as him?
i just got mine today which is also my 3rd tattoo it was at a public shop but the artists had their own rooms for privacy so he let me take off the neck part and move my backless shirt so it was out the way and it was so much better. I was able to sleep, talk to him, abd scroll on insta in peace. It tickled in the mid back areas and only hurt the higher it went and for the handle on the upper mid shoulder blades. SPINE TATS SLAY I LOVE YOURS SM AND I LOVE UR ARABIC TATTOO