Discograms
The discs are soft, cushion-like pads that separate the bones of the spine. A disc may be painful when it bulges, herniates, tears or degenerates and may cause pain in the neck, mid-back, low back and arms, chest wall, abdomen or legs.
A diagnostic discogram confirms or eliminates the disc(s) as a source of pain. During this procedure, a needle is placed into the discs themselves under x-ray guidance and contrast (dye) is injected. CT and MRI scans only demonstrate anatomy and cannot absolutely prove a patient’s pain source. In some instances, the discs may be abnormal on MRI or CT scans but not a source of pain. Discography is done to identify painful disc(s) and help the surgeon plan the correct surgery or avoid surgery that may not be beneficial. Discography can also be used to determine the appropriate discs for IDET (intradiscal electrothermal therapy).
What happens during the procedure?
An IV is started so that antibiotics (to prevent infection) and relaxation medication can be given. The patients lie on their back for cervical discography and on their abdomen for lumbar discography. The skin on the neck or back is scrubbed using sterile soap. Next, the physician numbs a small area of skin with numbing medicine. This medicine stings for several seconds. After the numbing medicine is given time to be effective, the physician directs a small needle using x-ray guidance into the disc spaces. Patients generally feel temporary discomfort as the needle passes through the muscle or near a nerve root. The physician may perform this at more than one disc level. After the needles are in position, a small amount of contrast (dye) is injected into each disc. The patient must tell the physician whether the injection causes pain, and if so, whether it is the usual type of pain.
What happens after the procedure?
Patients are usually given a prescription for antibiotics to take for a few days following the procedure. There may be some muscle discomfort after this procedure. The pain may even increase after the procedure. There may be some temporary hoarseness after a cervical discography.
Patients may return to their normal activities on the day after the procedure. Driving is discouraged on the day of the procedure.