What is a discography test?

Overview. A discogram, also called discography, is an imaging test used to evaluate back pain. A discogram might help your doctor determine if a specific abnormal disk in your spine is causing your back pain. Spinal disks are spongelike cushions between the bones (vertebrae) of the spine.

Is a Discogram painful?

Through this guide needle a much smaller disc needle is advanced towards and eventually into the center of the disc. This process should not be painful, but sometimes may be. The discogram procedure usually takes less than an hour to perform. You’ll have soreness from the needle punctures that lasts several days.

What does a positive Discogram mean?

Positive discograms mean that the source of your pain has likely been identified. This process is normally repeated in two other discs. You may also get a CT scan afterward to better visualize the contrast dye in the discs. Your physician may restrict your food and drink before the test.

How long does a diagnostic injection last?

Typically, these injections only offer 6 to 12 hours of relief from specified symptoms, which then is a diagnostic result. Please keep in mind, that if you experience dramatic relief, but relief lasts for only 6 hours, it is still a positive correlative result.

How is a discography performed?

Discography is a diagnostic procedure in which x-ray dye is injected under gentle pressure into the discs of the spine. Based on the presence or absence of pain during the injection of dye, your doctor may be able to determine if the disc is responsible for your pain symptoms.

What if Discogram is negative?

When discography replicates your symptoms, it is called a positive discogram. If symptoms are not replicated, it is a negative discogram. Discography can be uncomfortable, although symptoms are temporary.

Is a Discogram a surgery?

A discogram is typically performed to help diagnose the cause of back pain and to guide the treatment of abnormal discs. The procedure also may be performed prior to surgery to help identify discs that need to be treated or removed.

What happens if a nerve block doesn’t work?

The injections can also give temporary relief if the issue is indeed nerve-related. If a branch block does not work, there is another issue causing back pain. Doctors can try further tests for a proper diagnosis. Speak with a doctor about the possibility of a medial branch block today.

Can a nerve block cause paralysis?

A nerve block is a local anesthetic injected into or around a nerve or into the spine to temporarily prevent the nerve from relaying pain. A nerve block may cause temporary muscle paralysis or a loss of all feeling in the affected area or in the surrounding area.