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A Discogram, also known as a discography, is a minimally-invasive procedure used to diagnose the source of back pain. During a discogram, a contrast dye is injected into the soft center of one or more spinal discs, and x-rays or other imaging techniques are used to visualize the dye as it spreads through the disc. The procedure can our doctors at Texas Pain Insitute determine if a particular disc is causing pain, and if so, whether it is due to a tear or other damage to the disc. Our physicians offer comprehensive, personalized, and time-tested treatments that focus on your specific level of pain.
Patients who experience back problems related to spinal discs experience intense pain. Conditions such as sciatica can cause referred pain in the legs or low back pain. These conditions can be very difficult to find pain relief from using more conservative treatment options or pain management injections.
Texas Pain Institute offers multiple pain options to patients who are looking to achieve lasting pain relief. Surgery is something that most patients want to avoid because of its long recovery time, invasiveness, and the pain involved.
Before the pain medicine specialists at Texas Pain Institute recommend any treatment, they evaluate each patient and look at their past medical history to determine what treatments have the best chance of providing significant or permanent pain relief for the condition that causes it.
We work with each patient to find a pain treatment that will relieve or provide them with lasting pain relief during our initial consultation and pre-procedure visits. Our physicians will not recommend treatment to a patient unless we have evidence that indicates that treatment has the potential to be successful.
Discograms are typically used in cases where a patient is experiencing chronic or severe back pain and other non-invasive imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scans, have not been able to identify the source or the pain.
Discograms can help our physicians identify which disc or discs may be causing pain, and can help guide treatment decisions.
Discograms are primarily used to diagnose conditions related to the intervertebral discs in the spine, which can cause back pain. Some of the conditions that may be diagnosed using a discogram include:
Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:
Overall, the discogram procedure typically takes about an hour to complete, although the exact length of the procedure may vary depending on the number of discs being examined and other factors.
While you may feel some pressure or discomfort during the injection, the local anesthesia should significantly reduce any pain. After the procedure, you may experience some mild pain or soreness at the injection site for a few days, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.
Most patients are able to resume normal activities within a few days following the procedure.
After the procedure, patients may experience some discomfort or soreness at the injection site for a few days. The doctor may recommend applying ice or heat to the injection site or taking over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help manage any discomfort.
Patients may also be advised to avoid certain activities or movements for a period of time to allow the injection site to heal. This may include avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for a few days following the procedure.
Like any medical procedure, a discogram does carry some risks. While complications are rare, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and discuss them with your doctor before the procedure.
Some of the potential risks and complications associated with a discogram include:
Infection: Any tiem a needle is inserted into the skin, there is a risk of infection. The risk of infection can be minimized by ensuring proper sterilization techniques and using sterile equipment.
Bleeding: The needle used during the discogram procedure can cause bleeding at the injection site. In rare cases, this bleeding can be severe and require medical attention.
Nerve damage: The needle used during the discogram procedure can damage nerves in the surrounding area, which can cause pain, numbness, or weakness.
Disc herniation: In rare cases, the pressure from the injection of contrast dye during the discogram procedure can cause a disc to rupture or herniate.
Allergic reaction: Some patients may have an allergic reaction to the contrast dye used during the procedure. This can include symptoms such as itching, hives, or difficulty breathing.
Whether a discogram is right for you depends on your specific medical situation and the recommendation of your doctor or healthcare provider.
A discogram is typically recommended for patients who have experience chronic back pain that has not responded to conservative treatments such as physical therapy or medication.
Before recommending a discogram, your doctor will typically order imaging tests such as x-rays, MRI, or CT scans to help diagnose your condition. If these tests do not adequately diagnose your condition, a discogram may be a reasonable option.
It is best to talk to one of our pain specialists at Texas Pain Institute about whether a discogram is the right option for you.
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