Discography

Procedure: Discography

The procedure involves injecting a contrast agent into a disc suspected to be the cause of pain. First, the skin and other tissues are numbed. Then, using fluoroscopy guidance, a needle is inserted into the disc. Contrast dye is injected, and careful monitoring of the flow pattern of the dye and your pain response is recorded.The contrast dye increases the pressure within the disc and provokes its painful symptoms. Through continuous imaging (x-rays or CT scans) taken at the same time, the contrast agent captures the disc’s anatomical structure.

Depending on the number of discs being tested, it generally takes 30 to 45 minutes, followed by a brief period of observed recovery time.

Videos

Discography (Lumbar) Video

Post-operative Care for Discography

Patients are usually advised to completely rest after the procedure, with return to normal activities the following day. Some individuals may experience discomfort for a couple days after; this can be alleviated with ice or oral medication.

Goals of Discography

Accurate diagnosis of back pain and disc issue

Distinguish the abdominal and back pain from other types of pain

Benefits of Discography

Diagnostic tools for more accurate diagnosis and better treatment plans
Increased better surgical outcomes for most patients who underwent discographies