If you are reading this blog, back pain has probably impacted you on more than one occasion. At Dallas Pain Institute, we understand the short and long-term effects back pain can have on your day-to-day life. The first step toward getting relief is understanding where your pain is coming from. A diagnostic discogram is a procedure we offer that is designed to determine whether your spinal discs are the source of your pain. By locating the pain-generating disc(s), our team of doctors can create a discogram pain treatment plan in Greenville TX (locations also in Sherman, Forney & Greenville, TX) designed specifically for you.
What Are Spinal Discs?
Discs act as soft, pillow-like buffers that divide the spine’s bones. A disc can trigger pain when it bulges, herniates, tears, or degenerates, leading to discomfort in the neck, mid-back, lower back, arms, chest wall, abdomen, or legs.
What Is a Discogram?
A diagnostic discogram is a procedure performed to determine or rule out the disc(s) as the main source of the pain. During this operation, a needle is inserted into the discs under X-ray guidance, and contrast (dye) is injected. CT and MRI scans only display anatomy and cannot definitively pinpoint the source of your pain. In certain cases, discs might appear abnormal on MRI or CT scans but not be pain generators. The goal of discography is to identify the pain-causing disc(s) which helps the surgeon in planning an appropriate surgery or avoiding an unhelpful one. This insight can help you find out if you’re a candidate for specific treatments like Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy (IDET).
How Is a Discogram Performed?
A discogram involves the following steps:
#1. Preparation:
- Alert our doctors of any allergies you have (especially to iodine).
- Do not eat on the morning of your procedure if you are scheduled for sedation.
- If you are diabetic and dependent on insulin, you may need to make adjustments for the fasting period.
- It’s okay to continue to take routine medications for high blood pressure and diabetes.
- Let us know if you’re on blood thinners like Coumadin (special planning may be required).
- It’s recommended to have a designated driver accompany you.
#2. Procedure:
- An IV is started to administer antibiotics (to prevent infection) and sedatives.
- Depending on the location of the pain, you’ll lie on your back (for cervical discography) or stomach (for lumbar discography).
- The doctor cleans the skin with sterile soap and numbs the area using a local anesthetic.
- A small needle is inserted into the discs. A contrast dye is then injected into each disc to assess whether it reproduces your typical pain.
During the injection, feel free to speak with us about any pain you feel and whether it matches your usual symptoms.
#3. Post-Procedure:
- You’ll be prescribed antibiotics for several days to reduce the risk of infection.
- Some muscle soreness or increased pain may occur temporarily. For cervical discography, mild hoarseness is also possible.
Most patients can return to their normal activities the day after the procedure, but driving should be avoided on the day of the discogram.
Why Choose a Discogram?
A discogram is a helpful way for our doctors to figure out exactly what’s causing your back pain. It can pinpoint which discs are the problem (or rule them out), so you’re not dealing with unnecessary surgeries or treatments that won’t work. Instead, it gives us the info we need to create a plan that actually targets the issue. It’s all about getting the right diagnosis so your treatment is effective and fits what you need.
Back Pain Treatment in Greenville TX
At the Dallas Pain Institute, we’re committed to helping you find relief from back pain through our personalized treatment plans. If you’re experiencing persistent back pain, contact us today to learn more about how a discogram can be the answer you are looking for! We look forward to caring for you.
Rowlett, TX: 7700 Lakeview Pkwy, Suite 100B, Rowlett, TX 75088. (469) 653-0222
Sherman, TX: 1001 E Sara Swamy Dr., Suite 220, Sherman, TX 75090. (903) 892-1999
Greenville, TX: 4400 IH 30, Suite 300, Greenville, TX 75402. (469) 653-0222
Forney, TX: 763 E US Hwy 80, Ste 240, Forney, TX 75126. (469) 653-0222