What is it?
Discography is a diagnostic test that is performed to provide the physician with information about the exact source of your pain. The procedure is intended to reproduce your pain symptoms which in turn will allow the physician to properly treat the appropriate disc. The procedure is only diagnostic, and will not relieve your pain in some cases it may aggravate your pain symptoms for a few days.

The test
The discogram is performed under the guidance of x-ray to provide proper placement of needles. You will be sedated to make the placement of needles more comfortable; however, once the needles are in place you will be awakened. Each level in question will be pressurized with a dye to check for leaks and/ or reproduction of pain. It is very important that when you answer the physicians questions you compare it to your normal everyday pain. The whole process will take approximately 45mins to 1 hour during which time you will be monitored by a nurse and anesthesiologist. Following the procedure you will be monitored by the nurses for approximately 30 minutes before being released.

After the procedure
You will have tenderness in the injection areas for a few days following this procedure. Applying ice to the injected areas will help reduce any swelling and/ or irritation caused from the injection. You may be instructed to undergo a CT scan post procedure to take a picture of the injected dye. Following up with your physician 1-2 weeks following the procedure is recommended to assist in your treatment plan.

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