Discography FAQs
Question: Will this procedure be painful?
Answer:
A local anesthetic is administered which momentarily stings. Immediately following this, the skin is numb. The idea behind discography is to try and mimic the patient’s pain by injecting the disc. Since we don’t know what level is causing the pain, we typically inject 2 or 3 levels. So, while the skin is numb, we purposely do not want to numb the disc, as we are trying to find the level and cause for the pain.
Question: How do you know what levels or discs to inject?
Answer:
The radiologist will review your imaging studies prior to the procedure, including any X-rays, CT scans and/or MRI scans. We look to see what disc levels look degenerated or perhaps a potential cause of pain, as well as looking for a normal disc level to inject and use as a control level. This information is then correlated with your symptoms, including the side and level of symptoms, and then the appropriate levels are determined.
Question: Will I be sedated for the procedure?
Answer:
Yes, an IV will be placed prior to the procedure and a small amount of sedative will be administered. You will be monitored during this time. Be sure to tell the nurse or doctor of any drug allergies you may have.
Question: How long will it take?
Answer:
The actual discogram procedure typically takes about 20-40 minutes. Following the procedure, a CT scan will be performed which typically takes 5-10 minutes. We usually have the patient stay in the recovery room following the examination for 45-60 minutes.
Question: Can I go to work after the procedure?
Answer:
We typically advise patients to take it easy following the procedure, with no strenuous activity or lifting. After the sedation, it is also advised not to operate heavy machinery or drive for the remainder of the day. Sometimes we will leave it up to the patient, depending on how they feel, and the type of work they do, as to whether they can resume work that day.
Question: What happens after the exam?
Answer:
The results of the exam are immediately communicated to your referring physician, so that you and your referring doctor can come up with a plan to manage the disc pain.
Question: What gets injected into my discs during the procedure?
Answer:
We inject a small amount of contrast (radiology dye), mixed with a small amount of antibiotics. Be sure and tell the nurse or radiologist if you have any medication or antibiotic allergies.
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