An imaging test used to diagnose pain is called a discogram. It is also known as a discography. Discogram helps specialists determine if a specific abnormal disc in the spine is causing pain.
Padda Institute has a full range of advanced imaging tests X-Rays, MRI, and CT scans available right at the center. We determine the root cause of pain through the patient’s history and physical examination, reviewing X-Rays, CT’s/MRI’s, or other diagnostic injection procedures such as sacroiliac & facet joint injections or nerve root blocks before performing discography.
Soft, cushion-like discs separate the hard vertebral bones of your spine. A dye is injected into the soft center of one or more discs during the discogram procedure. Unfortunately, the injection sometimes causes pain in your neck, mid-back, low back and arms, chest wall, abdomen, and legs.
Dye is pulled into any cracks in the disc’s exterior and can be seen on an X-ray or CT scan. However, discs showing wear and tear may not cause symptoms. For this reason, a spinal discogram might not always be useful.
A discogram is an invasive test that is rarely used to diagnose back discomfort. If your back pain persists despite conservative treatments like medication and physical therapy, your doctor may recommend a discogram.
Before undergoing spinal fusion surgery, some doctors use a discogram to determine which discs will be removed. Discograms, on the other hand, are not always accurate in determining which discs are causing back pain. As a result, many doctors rely on additional tests to diagnose disc abnormalities and guide treatment, such as MRI and CT scans.
In general, discograms are safe. The risk of complications associated with a discogram is the same as with any medical procedure. The risk factors included are
For a period before the procedure, you may need to refrain from taking blood-thinning medications. Consult your doctor for recommendations. You should also avoid eating or drinking the morning of the test.