A discogram, also known as discography, is a procedure used to determine if a specific spinal disc is the source of your back pain. During this procedure, we use a special X-ray technique called fluoroscopy to guide a needle into the center of one or more of your discs. We inject contrast dye into the disc to see its shape and condition on an X-ray or CT scan. The key part of the discogram is that it can help identify if the disc causes your pain by reproducing your symptoms during the injection.

This procedure is typically considered for severe, chronic back pain or symptoms like sciatica that haven’t improved with other treatments. It helps decide if a disc requires further treatment, possibly surgery. There are alternatives like MRI or CT scans, but these don’t provide specific information about the pain source.

There are some risks, though rare, such as infection, bleeding, or nerve damage. You might experience temporary discomfort at the injection site. You'll need to fast for 8 hours before and avoid certain medications, like NSAIDS, a week prior. Monitor for infection signs, like fever or chills, and avoid heavy lifting for a few days after.

Recovery is usually quick. Manage mild discomfort with ice packs and over-the-counter pain relievers. We'll arrange a follow-up within a week to discuss results and next steps, which may include surgery if the disc is confirmed as the pain source, or other therapies as needed. This information is crucial for creating an effective treatment plan tailored to your pain.