A discogram is a diagnostic test performed to view and assess the internal structure of a disk and to determine if the disk is a source of pain.
How is it done?
The patient is given intravenous medication as a relaxant and sedative. A local anesthetic is injected into the patient’s skin in the area that is being examined. A needle is inserted into the disk under fluoroscopy. A saline solution and radiopaque dye are injected into the disk and x-ray pictures are taken to demonstrate annular tears, scarring, disk bulges and changes in the nucleus of the disk.
How long does it take?
The procedure takes approximately 30-45 minutes with an additional 30-45 minutes of recovery time.
– Recreation of painful symptoms if the disk(s) is generating your pain- Confirmation of a diagnosis and/or determination of which disk(s) is the source of pain.