Discogram
About this test
A discogram, also called discography, is an imaging test used to look for the cause of back pain. A discogram might help your healthcare professional determine if a specific disk in your spine is causing your back pain. Spinal disks are spongelike cushions between the bones of the spine, called vertebrae. During a discogram, dye is injected into the soft center of one or more disks. The injection sometimes reproduces the back pain.
Why it's done
A discogram is an invasive test that generally isn't used for an initial exam of back pain. Your healthcare professional might suggest a discogram if your back pain persists despite conservative treatments, such as medicine and physical therapy. Some healthcare professionals use a discogram before spinal fusion surgery to help identify which disks need to be removed. However, discograms are not always correct in identifying which disks, if any, are causing back pain. Many healthcare professionals instead rely on other tests, such as MRI and CT scanning, to diagnose disk problems and guide treatment.
Risks and complications
A discogram is generally safe. But as with any medical procedure, a discogram carries a risk of complications, including: Infection. Worsening of chronic back pain. Headache. Injury to nerves or blood vessels in and around the spine. Allergic reaction to the dye.
How to prepare
You might need to stop taking blood-thinning medicines for a time before the procedure. Your healthcare team will tell you what medicines you can take. You will not eat or drink the morning before the test.
What to expect
A discogram is performed in a clinic or hospital room that has imaging equipment. You'll likely be there for up to three hours. The test itself takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how many disks are examined.
Understanding your results
Your healthcare professional will review the images and the information you provided about the pain you had during the procedure. This information will help your healthcare professional pinpoint the source of your back pain. Your healthcare team will use this information to guide your treatment or prepare for surgery. Healthcare professionals usually don't rely on the results of a discogram alone because a disk with wear-and-tear change might not cause pain. Also, pain responses during a discogram can vary widely. Often, results of a discogram are combined with results of other tests — such as an MRI or CT scan and physical exam — when determining a treatment plan for back pain.
Disclaimer: August is a health information platform and its responses don't constitute medical advise. Always consult with a licenced medical professional near you before making any changes.