Back pain is a common ailment that affects many people at some point in their lives. When it becomes chronic or severe, it can significantly impact your daily activities and quality of life. One of the advanced diagnostic tools available for evaluating back pain is discography, also known as a discogram. This procedure can be especially helpful in identifying the specific source of your pain, allowing for targeted treatment and relief.
Pain Management
Back Pain Investigations
About this treatment
Appointment Time
1 hr
Frequency
As needed
Waiting List
None
Price
POA
In More Detail
Discography is a specialised imaging technique used to evaluate intervertebral discs, which are the cushion-like pads between the bones (vertebrae) of your spine. The procedure involves injecting a contrast dye into one or more discs under X-ray guidance. This helps to highlight abnormalities within the disc structure that might not be visible through other imaging methods like MRI or CT scans.
Discography is typically recommended when other diagnostic methods haven’t provided a clear picture of the cause of your back pain. If you have persistent, unexplained back pain that hasn’t responded to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or lifestyle changes, discography might be the next step. This procedure is particularly useful if your healthcare provider is considering surgical options like spinal fusion or disc replacement, as it can pinpoint the exact discs that are contributing to your pain.
Dealing with chronic back pain can be challenging, but advanced diagnostic tools like discography offer hope. By accurately identifying the source of your pain, discography can guide your treatment journey, bringing you one step closer to relief and a return to the activities you love. Always feel free to ask your healthcare provider any questions you have about the procedure – understanding each step can help ease any concerns and ensure you feel comfortable and informed throughout the process
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a discography, and why is it performed?
Discography, also known as discogram, is a diagnostic procedure used to determine whether a spinal disc is the source of a patient’s back pain. During the procedure, a contrast dye is injected into the centre of one or more spinal discs under X-ray guidance. This helps to visualise the disc’s structure and reproduce the patient’s pain. It is performed to identify damaged or problematic discs, especially when other imaging tests (like MRI or CT scans) do not clearly indicate the cause of pain.
2. How should I prepare for a discography?
Your doctor will review your medical history and perform a physical examination. Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and any allergies you have. You may need to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, a few days before the procedure.
You will be advised not to eat or drink for a specified period (usually 6-8 hours) before the procedure.
Arrange for someone to drive you home afterward, as you may be given sedatives or pain medication that can impair your ability to drive.
3. What happens during a discography procedure?
You will lie on your stomach or side on an X-ray table.
You may receive a sedative to help you relax, but you will remain awake to communicate with the doctor about any pain you experience.
The skin and tissues over the injection site are numbed with a local anaesthetic. Using X-ray guidance, the doctor inserts a thin needle into the centre of the target disc(s) and injects a contrast dye.
You will be asked to describe any pain or discomfort you feel during the injection, which helps determine if the disc is the source of your pain. X-rays or CT scans are taken to visualise the injected dye and assess the disc’s structure.
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A modern and welcoming environment
We are proud to deliver a premium patient experience at our state-of-the-art facilities in Hampshire. At Prema, our patients can expect exceptional personal and medical care in a warm and relaxing environment.
Caring and expert staff
Without exception, our patients come first. We take the time to ask the right questions and listen to our patients individual needs, tailoring the perfect patient experience. With compassion and understanding, our patients can be assured that we have their best interests in mind.
Treatment in good time
We believe in a collaborative experience for our patients. We work together to deliver exceptional care in a timely fashion. We also understand that sometimes there is a need to be seen swiftly; Prema has the resources to deliver efficient care, effectively.