Discograms 101: What Do You Need to Know
When it comes to managing chronic back pain, you may find yourself experiencing all different types of diagnostic tools and treatments that you never even knew existed before. We realize that some of this may feel overwhelming at times. One of the ways we try to help you minimize that stress is through patient education. This month our comprehensive pain management team will be explaining one of our diagnostic services called a discogram. Read on to learn more!
What is a Discogram?
A discogram is a diagnostic procedure which uses an injection of radiographic contrast dye to help identify the source of a patient’s back pain and/or show damage to a particular disk. It may also be referred to as a provocative discography or simply a discography.
Why Would I Need a Discogram?
Discograms are designed to test whether it is a specific disc that’s causing pain. They are especially useful when other diagnostic tools, such as MRI or CT scans, fail to detect the source of pain. At times the discograms can also offer additional insight that aids in creating a surgical plan or helps identify cases in which surgery would not be the best option.
A few reasons your care team may order a discogram include:
Back pain that has not improved with other therapies
Preparation for a surgical procedure to eliminate back pain
To gain additional information about a patient’s spine health
As part of your comprehensive pain management team, we want to assure you that we take pride in exhausting every possible option to help you manage your back pain. Our priority is to fully understand the cause of your pain with an in-depth diagnostic approach. Once we have a greater understanding of your pain’s source, we will build a personalized plan that will be monitored and adjusted regularly with care.
What to Expect
If your care team has recommended a discogram, there are several key items to be aware of before going in for the procedure.
During the procedure you will be responsible for telling the physician if/when the injection causes discomfort.
You will also need to determine if the pain felt in the procedure is consistent with the typical pain you’ve been experiencing or a new type of pain.
The procedure itself typically takes between 30-60 minutes. The amount varies depending on how many discs are being tested.
This is considered an out-patient procedure, meaning you will be allowed to go home following its completion.
To learn more about the procedure, visit our dedicated discogram page. There you will be able to read a step-by-step walkthrough of the discogram procedure as well as learn about risks, follow-up and more.
Back Doctors in Asheville NC
If back pain is affecting you or someone you love, we want to help. We offer a full suite of diagnostic procedures, therapies, pain psychology and more. Our chronic pain specialists understand that when you are experiencing chronic and debilitating pain, there is nothing more important than finding a plan to take your life back. We can’t wait to join you in that journey!