Discogram in NJ - So You Can Live Pain-Free

Discogram Facts and Information

This diagnostic procedure is used to determine whether pain is caused by one or more spinal discs. The procedure involves pressurizing suspected discs with an injection of sterile contrast to visualize the disc structures and reproduce your pain. Discography helps the specialist plan a course of treatment.

What Happens During a Discogram?

In preparation for the procedure, the patient lies on the procedure table equipped with an x-ray unit called a fluoroscope. Medication is administered through an intravenous (IV) line to relax the patient. The patient must remain awake enough to communicate with the physician during the testing. A local anesthetic is used to numb the skin and all the tissue down to the disc area.

Guide Needles Inserted

A guide needle is inserted through the anesthetized track to the outer edge of the disc. The physician uses the fluoroscope to identify the target disc. A smaller needle is inserted through the guide needle into the center of the disc. This may be repeated for several discs.

Discs Tested

Once all the needles are placed, the discs are pressurized one at a time with contrast dye. With each injection, the patient may feel either pressure or pain. If the patient feels pain, the physician will ask the patient to compare it to the pain the patient has been experiencing. If the pain is the same, this may indicate a diseased disc. After each disc is tested, images are taken with the fluoroscopic unit.

Needles Removed

The needles are removed. The patient may be taken for a CT scan to obtain additional images of the disc structures.

After the Procedure

Discography usually takes less than an hour to perform. The procedure may cause discomfort for a few days. The patient is usually advised to take acetaminophen or ibuprofen and to ice the affected area several times daily until the discomfort subsides.

After the procedure, you will be transferred to a recovery area where a specially trained nurse will monitor your recovery and pain levels. Generally, patients are discharged within 15-30 minutes. Your doctor will have you schedule a follow-up visit and explain limitations, if any, on your physical activity.

Possible Conditions

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