A spinal needle is a thin, sterile, hollow needle used to reach the lower spine for procedures like spinal anesthesia or lumbar puncture (spinal tap). It has a sharp tip and often a color-coded, transparent hub that helps doctors see the flow of spinal fluid. These needles come in two main types—cutting (Quincke) and pencil-point (Whitacre or Sprotte)—which are designed to reduce tissue damage and lower the risk of headaches after the procedure.