Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar Discography

What are discs?

Spinal discs are cushion-like structures that lie between the hard vertebral bones in the spine. They function to distribute force and shock throughout the spine. Discs have two main parts to them-outer rings of tougher cartilage (annulus fibrosis) and inner jelly-like centers (nucleus).

What is discography and why is it helpful?

Although a disc may look abnormal on a MRI or CT scan, this does not necessarily mean that your pain comes from that disc. In fact, studies have shown that people with no back pain frequently have abnormal looking discs. Discography is a diagnostic test done to determine if pain comes from a specific disc in the spine.

What will happen to me during the procedure?

Before the procedure an IV will be started so that relaxation medication can be given during the procedure. You will be taken to a procedure room and positioned lying face down onto your stomach or side on an x-ray table. Monitors will be placed on you to watch your heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen level.

After your skin is washed with a sterile scrub, the discs will be identified by your physician using a fluoroscopy (x-ray) machine. Small marks may be placed on your skin using a sterile pen. Next the skin is numbed with local anesthetic medication. During a discogram a needle is placed into the center of the disc(s) in question. A dye is then injected into the disc under x-ray. By placing fluid into the disc, pressures rise within the disc. This simulates actions such as bending or sitting which typically cause pain in a bad disc. When the disc injection produces pain in the same place as your typical everyday pain, your physician can confirm the location of your painful disc. A CT scan is usually done following the dye injection to detect tears or herniations in discs that may not be seen on MRI.

What will happen after the procedure?

If a CT scan in needed after your discogram, you will be sent to radiology. You will then be taken back to the recovery area and monitored for 30-60 minutes. Discharge instructions will be given to you before leaving the surgical center. You are required to have a driver to take you home. You will follow up with your physician at a predetermined time to review the results of the discogram.

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