Discogram

What is it?

A discogram is a diagnostic test performed to view and assess the internal structure of a disc and determine if it is a source of pain.

How is it done?
The patient is given intravenous medication as a relaxant and pain reliever. A local anesthetic is injected into the patient's skin in the area that is being examined.

A needle is inserted through a previously placed needle in the skin and into the disc under fIuoroscopy. A saline solution and radiopaque dye are injected into the disc or discs if more than one disc is being examined. A CT scan is usually performed on the painful disc after the dye is injected to obtain images of the dye distribution. This will demonstrate anular tears, scarring, disc bulges and changes in the nucleus of the disc.

Expected Results

• Recreation of painful symptoms if the disc/discs is abnormal.
• Confirmation of a diagnosis and/or determination of which disc/discs is the source of pain.

How long does it last?
Thirty minutes plus an additional thirty minutes if a CT is indicated plus recovery time of several hours.