How painful is a bone-marrow biopsy?

A bone marrow biopsy is a somewhat painful procedure. A numbing injection given prior to the extraction of the marrow stings, and there is a brief sensation of dull pain and pressure when the needle enters the bone, according to MedlinePlus.

The pain associated with the biopsy itself is brief since the procedure does not take long. There is occasionally minor bleeding at the site of the injection. Other side effects, such as infection. are rare, says MedlinePlus. Patients may experience minor pain symptoms after the marrow is extracted, states WebMD. Possible side effects include stiffness, soreness at the site of injection and bruising.