The discogram, also known as discography, is a sort of imaging test which requires determining the cause of back discomfort. Experts are aware of the relationship between back pain and sensitive disks. A discogram helps a doctor when an abnormal disk in the spine causes back pain. A discogram is a process that involves injecting a dye or colouring agent into the softish centre point of one or more disks. For a short time, this injection can cause back pain.
A pigment or colouring agent penetrates any cracks in the disk surface and is visible on an X-ray or CT scan. Many spine surgeons and orthopaedics believe a discogram is an interventional diagnostic imaging test. A discogram is beneficial to determine whether a particular intervertebral disk is the source of back pain. Even then, disks that show signs of damage do not always cause symptoms. Still, the usage of a discogram is debatable.
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| Decoding Back Pain |
What is the purpose of a discogram?
If your back pain remains even after conventional treatments like medication and physical therapy, your doctor may recommend a discogram. Doctors use discograms to rectify removable painful disks before undergoing spinal fusion surgery. Discograms are never helpful in evaluating which disks are causing back pain. At present, many doctors focus on specific tests to diagnose disk problems, such as MRI and CT scanning.
Who performs the discogram?
A radiologist will perform the test in the local hospital radiology department or an outpatient imaging centre.
How should we prepare for the discogram?
On the night before the test, do not eat anything solid after midnight. Make plans to be driven to and from the hospital by someone you trust. Come prepared in a warm-up suit, sweatpants, or shorts.
How should I prepare for the discogram?
On the night before the test, do not eat anything solid after midnight. Make plans to be driven to and from the hospital by someone you trust. Come prepared in a warm-up suit, sweatpants, or shorts.
During the procedure, lie on your stomach or side of a table. Following skin cleansing, your doctor might apply a numbing medication to alleviate discomfort from the discogram needle insertion. Your doctor inserts a hollow needle through your skin into the centre of the disk space while viewing an X-ray monitor called a fluoroscope. A fluoroscope, also known as a C-arm, is an arc-shaped piece of equipment that provides X-rays from one side and photographs them from the other.
Doctors inject a dye with the help of a hypodermic needle. The contrast agent appears in white on X-rays. Experts use a fluoroscopy technique that enables a more accurate and safe spot. This location is the centre of the disk of the examined disk. If the dye remains in the disk core, the experts treat it as a regular disk.
If the pigment extends past the disk nucleus, it shows that your disk has undergone some damage. If a disk is causing you back pain, you will feel pain during the injection. It will be similar to the pain you are experiencing daily.
If the disk is usual, the injection is painless. Your doctor will ask you to describe and rate your pain during the discogram. Standard X-rays of the spine only show the bones, such as the vertebrae. Myelograms only provide a detailed image of the spinal column.
What happens after the procedure?
Your doctor can complete this procedure within 30 minutes to an hour and may ask you to be under observation. After some time you can go back to your home. Undeniably, you may need the help of family or your friend to drive. It is unique to experience pain at the injection site or in the lower back for several hours following the procedure. You can apply an ice pack to the area for 30 minutes with the aid of your family members. After the test, contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe back pain or develop a fever one to two weeks later. You need to maintain hygienic conditions to avoid any complications.
What results from a discogram verify?
Your doctor will examine the images and information you provided about the pain you experienced during the procedure to help determine the source of your back pain. Your doctor will use this information to guide your treatment or prepare you for surgery. Doctors typically do not rely solely on discogram results because a deteriorated disk may not cause pain. Moreover, pain reactions during a discogram may vary considerably.
The results of a discogram are conventionally compared with other tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, and a physical examination determines a treatment plan for back pain. If the contrast dye spreads outside the pivot of the disk, experts designate that the disk annulus is torn or ruptured. The results of a discogram may confirm the need for surgery and specify the correct cause of your back pain, increasing the possibility of a particular outcome from surgery.
What are the risks of the discogram test?
Discogram is generally safe but has associated risks. Some people are allergic to the dye or contrast agent injected into the disk. ENSURE to inform your physician promptly if you have any allergies to X-ray dye.
If you are allergic to:
- If you have medication issues
- If you are pregnant
- If you have a history of allergic reactions,
- If you have diabetes,
- If you have asthma,
- If you have a heart condition,
- If you have kidney problems,
- If you have thyroid conditions.
Please inform your doctor. Tell them if you take any blood thinners, such as aspirin.
FAQs
1. What is the pain level of a discogram?
If a disc is the source of your back pain, you should feel pain during the injection, similar to your daily pain experience. When a disk is healthy, the injection is relatively painless. Your doctor may ask you to describe and rate your pain during the discogram.
2. What is Discogram surgery?
Doctors use a discogram to assess the cause of your back pain. It also guides the treatment of abnormal disks. Discograms define disks for treatment or pre-surgery removal.
3. How long does it take to get a Discogram?
The discogram procedure takes 30 to 45 minutes on average. Your doctor will discover a suspected disk with the help of a CT scan. It helps to determine the disk condition. You will be kept for 30 to 60 minutes for observation before being allowed to return home.
4. What is a CT myelogram, and how is it done?
A myelogram is an invasive diagnostic test that examines the spinal canal with X-rays. Doctors use a hollow hypodermic needle to inject a special dye into the spinal canal. Surgeons record the pigment movement images with an X-ray fluoroscope. Myelograms can unveil issues concerning the spinal cord and nerves coursing through the spinal canal.
How would you summarize the discogram?
A discogram utilises X-rays as an invasive diagnostic procedure to examine the intervertebral discs of your spine. Experts inject a special dye into the affected disk or series of disks. The pigment enhances visibility on a fluoroscope monitor and X-ray film. Discograms precisely identify damaged disks responsible for back pain.
- Discogram: Invasive diagnostic test using X-rays for spine disc examination.
- A special dye injected into an affected disk(s) enhances visibility.
- A fluoroscope monitor and X-ray film highlight damaged disks causing back pain.