What is a spinal discography?

A discogram, also called discography, is an imaging test used to evaluate back pain. A discogram might help your doctor determine if a specific abnormal disk in your spine is causing your back pain. Spinal disks are spongelike cushions between the bones (vertebrae) of the spine.

Is a Discogram painful?

How Painful Is a Discogram? The needle insertions for IV and local anesthetic may cause a mild stinging pain from the pricking. The discogram is designed to provoke existing pain to find out the source, so certain amount of pain is to be expected.

What is a Discogram procedure?

In a discogram, a contrast liquid is injected into the center of one or more spinal discs using x-ray guidance. This injection may temporarily reproduce the patient’s back pain symptoms. As part of the procedure, an x-ray or CT scan also may be performed to obtain pictures of the injected disc.

Can you drive after a Discogram?

You should consult with your physician about taking your regular medications prior to your exam. Some medications (such as Coumadin or Plavix) should not be taken before your procedure. You will not be allowed to drive after the procedure, so you should arrange for someone to help you get home.

What kind of doctor performs a Discogram?

A doctor and at least one technician will be in the room. After cleaning your back with a cooling antiseptic, the doctor will numb the area of your back where the needle will be inserted. Using fluoroscopy, the radiologist guides a needle into the disc or discs that will be examined.

How do you feel after a Discogram?

How will I feel after the discogram? You may have a temporary increase in back pain or pain at the injection site for several hours after your discogram. Apply ice packs and take your pain medication as directed by your doctor. You might also feel drowsy from the sedative medication.

What should I do before a Discogram?

Initial Preparation for the Discogram Procedure If you agree to allow the discographer to perform this exam, an intravenous line is started just in case intra-procedural medications become necessary. Usually, sedation is avoided so as not to interfere with any reactions or sensations you may experience.

What is the cost of a radio frequency ablation?

How Much Does a Radiofrequency Ablation Cost? On MDsave, the cost of a Radiofrequency Ablation ranges from $2,240 to $4,243. Those on high deductible health plans or without insurance can save when they buy their procedure upfront through MDsave.

What is the difference between radiofrequency ablation and rhizotomy?

Radiofrequency rhizotomy (also known as radiofrequency ablation) is similar to the glycerin rhizotomy, but instead of using a chemical to destroy the nerve fibers, a radiofrequency current is used to burn the fibers.

Which is the correct way to view the spinal plane?

Spinal Body Planes. The body, as well as the spine, can be viewed from 3 sides; from the front or the back, from the left or the right side, as well as from the top or the bottom. The viewing in every one of these instances may be directly from the front, the side or the top; however, the viewing is also possible from an angle oblique to the body.

Can a person see the body in three planes?

The viewing in every one of these instances may be directly from the front, the side or the top; however, the viewing is also possible from an angle oblique to the body. Medically speaking these same possibilities are used, allowing the observer to view the body in three planes.

How does a discogram of a spinal disk work?

Spinal disks are spongelike cushions between the bones (vertebrae) of the spine. During a discogram, dye is injected into the soft center of one or more disks. The injection sometimes reproduces your back pain. The dye also moves into any cracks in the disk’s exterior, which can then be seen on an X-ray or CT scan.

Can a discogram be used to diagnose back pain?

However, discograms are not always accurate in pinpointing which disks, if any, are causing back pain. Many doctors instead rely on other tests, such as MRI and CT scanning, to diagnose disk problems and guide treatment. A discogram is generally safe.