Pain Management Specialist in Jubilee Hills , Hyderabad

Discography, or discogram, is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate and identify sources of chronic back pain, particularly when other imaging studies like MRI or CT scans do not provide conclusive information. This procedure involves injecting contrast dye into the intervertebral discs to assess their structure and identify potential abnormalities or damage.

Purpose: Pain Localization: Discography helps pinpoint the specific disc or discs in the spine that may be causing chronic back pain.

It aids in differentiating between normal age-related changes and clinically relevant disc issues.

Treatment Planning: Information obtained from discography assists healthcare providers in planning appropriate treatment strategies.

It guides decisions on whether surgical intervention, such as spinal fusion or disc replacement, may be necessary.

Procedure: Preparation: The patient is positioned on a fluoroscopy table, and vital signs are monitored. Local anaesthesia is administered to numb the skin and underlying tissues.

Contrast Injection: Under fluoroscopy or X-ray guidance, a needle is carefully inserted into the targeted disc.

Contrast dye is injected, and X-ray images are taken to visualise the dye's distribution within the disc.

Pressure Measurement: The pressure inside the disc is measured to assess its ability to retain the injected contrast.

Increased pressure or reproduction of the patient's typical pain symptoms during injection suggests disc abnormalities.

Post-Procedure Observation: After the procedure, the patient is monitored for a short period to ensure there are no immediate complications.

Mild discomfort at the injection site is common and expected.
Considerations: Temporary Pain Reproduction: Discography intentionally reproduces the patient's usual pain symptoms to identify the source accurately.

Temporary discomfort during the procedure is expected.

Diagnostic Accuracy: While more invasive than other imaging tests, discography provides dynamic information about the discs under stress, contributing to diagnostic accuracy. It helps rule out or confirm whether observed disc abnormalities are the likely cause of pain.

Post-Procedure Recovery: Soreness at the injection site may occur but typically resolves within a short time.

Patients can usually resume normal activities after a brief recovery period.

Follow-Up: Discography results guide further treatment decisions, and the healthcare provider discusses findings and potential treatment options based on the diagnostic information.

Risks and Complications: Discography is generally safe, but as with any medical procedure, there are some risks, including infection, bleeding, or nerve damage. The procedure is performed with precision and under sterile conditions to minimise these risks.

If you are experiencing chronic back pain, especially when other diagnostic tests have not provided clear answers, consider consulting with Dr. Tushar, a specialist in interventional pain management. A personalised consultation can help determine if discography is a suitable diagnostic tool for your specific condition, leading to tailored treatment options. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Tushar for expert guidance on managing your spinal pain.