Discogram
Regarded as a leading pain management team in Texas, we offer a wide variety of patient-centered, expert care to our patients and community.
Procedure Overview
A discogram, or discography, is a diagnostic procedure rather than a treatment for pain. It is used to identify the specific intervertebral disc that is the source of a patient’s back pain. Here’s how it works and how it relates to pain management:
Preparation:
Needle Insertion:
Injection of Contrast Dye:
Pain Assessment:
Diagnostic Purpose
Identifying Pain Source
By provoking pain in a controlled manner, the discogram helps pinpoint which disc is responsible for the patient’s symptoms. This is particularly useful with imaging studies like:
When scans show abnormalities in multiple discs, it is unclear which one is causing the pain.
Guiding Treatment
The results of a discogram can help guide further treatment. For instance, if a specific disc is identified as the pain source, specific treatments might be considered, such as:
Accepting New Patients
Pain Treatment Institute is committed to offering the latest treatments to remove or relieve acute and chronic pain. Our pain management clinics are accepting new patients. Contact our office to schedule an appointment.
Relation to Pain Treatment
Treatment Planning
Although the discogram itself doesn’t treat pain, it is crucial in planning effective treatment. By accurately diagnosing the source of pain, it helps in avoiding unnecessary:
Therapeutic Procedures
Following a discogram, a patient might undergo treatments based on the findings. These treatments could include:
Risks and Considerations
Pain During the Procedure:
Because the goal is to reproduce the patient’s pain, the procedure can be uncomfortable.
Infection or Bleeding:
As with any invasive procedure, there is a risk of infection or bleeding.
Disc Damage:
There is a potential risk of causing further damage to the disc.