DO I NEED DISCOGRAM OR DISCOGRAPHY?
A discogram, also referred to as discography, is a minimally invasive imaging test that is used to evaluate and determine the exact cause and location of your back pain. This diagnostic procedure can determine if one or more spinal discs within the spinal column are the cause of your pain.
Spinal discs are sponge like cushions that are located between the bones (or vertebrae) within the spine. When the cushion is damaged, this typically causes pain and discomfort. To determine the root cause of your back pain, a discogram or discography is performed to evaluate the potential problem as well as aid in providing a detailed treatment plan to alleviate back pain.
A discogram or discography is an outpatient procedure. The procedure only takes about one hour, however, this is dependent on how many disc levels are being evaluated during the procedure.
COMMON CONDITIONS TREATED BY DISCOGRAM OR DISCOGRAPHY INCLUDE:
In many cases, concservative treatments can relieve back pain. This includes rest, ice therapy, heat therapy, and anti-inflammatory medication. If conservative treatment options do not alleviate back pain, you may need to undergo a discogram or discography.
Use the treatment finder tool below to see if a discogram or discography is the right treatment to restore your quality of life.
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR DISCOGRAM OR DISCOGRAPHY?
A good candidate for a discogram or discography is someone who hasn’t received an accurate diagnosis, has been misdiagnosed, or hasn’t experienced pain relief from conservative treatment options. Prior to performing a discogram or discography, your physician will review your:
- Medical history
- Current condition
- Progression of your back pain
- Medical imaging completed so far
- Prior treatment completed
Once our team has reviewed your medical history in depth, they will then determine if a discogram or discography is the right treatment option for you. If so, a member of our team will review next steps with you, as well as what to expect before, during and after your procedure.
HOW IS A DISCOGRAM OR DISCOGRAPHY PERFORMED?
A discogram or discography is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a special technique that is less harmful on the body and offers a better recovery experience for patients. During the procedure, a special dye is injected into the suspected "problem" discs. An x-ray is then taken and used to determine where the injury is and the root cause of the pain. The injected dye makes it easy to pinpoint the issue and interpret the x-rays taken.
When a discogram or discography test is taken, it may temporarily reproduce the pain symptoms a patient is experiencing, however, it typically goes away within a few hours. Once the results come back, your physician will be able to determine the next steps and create a custom treatment plan just for you.
Getting control of your back pain is the first step to getting your life back. Find out if you qualify for a discogram or discography with our candidacy check tool below.