Discography
At Paragon Sport Spine & Wellness, we offer Discography as a specialized diagnostic procedure designed to identify the source of back pain related to intervertebral discs. This procedure helps us create a targeted treatment plan to effectively address your pain.
What is Discography?
Discography is a minimally invasive diagnostic test used to evaluate the health and integrity of the spinal discs. During this procedure, a contrast dye is injected into the disc to assess whether it is the source of pain. This allows us to visualize the condition of the discs and determine the best course of treatment.
- Diagnostic Injections: These injections are used to confirm the specific source of pain by temporarily numbing the area around the affected disc.
- Therapeutic Injections: These injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication, such as steroids, to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
How Does Discography Work?
- Preparation: Before the procedure, you will undergo a thorough evaluation to discuss your symptoms and medical history.
- Injection Procedure: Under fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, a needle is inserted into the targeted disc, and contrast dye is injected. This helps in visualizing the disc on imaging studies.
- Assessment: You may be asked to describe any pain experienced during the injection, which can help pinpoint the affected disc.
Indications for Discography
Discography is recommended for individuals experiencing:
Benefits of Diagnostic & Therapeutic Disc Injections
- Persistent back pain that hasn’t improved with other diagnostic methods.
- Symptoms suggestive of disc-related issues, such as herniated discs or degenerative disc disease.
- Unexplained pain that may not correlate with other diagnostic imaging results.
What to Expect During the Procedure
- Duration: The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to minimize discomfort during the injection.
- Post-Procedure Care: After the injection, you will be monitored briefly before being discharged, usually within an hour.
Benefits of Discography
- Precise Diagnosis: Helps identify the specific disc responsible for your pain.
- Guides Treatment Plans: Information gathered from the procedure can lead to tailored treatment options, including surgical and non-surgical interventions.
- Minimally Invasive: The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis with minimal recovery time.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Duration: The entire procedure typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
Comfort: Local anesthesia is used to minimize discomfort during the injection.
Post-Procedure Care: You may experience temporary soreness at the injection site, but most patients can resume normal activities shortly after.
Is Discography Safe?
Discography is generally safe when performed by qualified professionals at Paragon Sport Spine & Wellness. Potential side effects may include:
- Discomfort or pain at the injection site
- Temporary numbness or tingling
- Rare complications such as infection or nerve injury
Who is a Candidate for Discography?
You may be a good candidate for Discography if:
- You have chronic back pain with suspected disc involvement.
- Other imaging studies (such as MRI) have not provided clear answers.
- You are seeking a definitive diagnosis to guide further treatment options.
Take the Next Step Towards Relief
If you are struggling with persistent back pain, Discography can help us pinpoint the source of your discomfort. Our dedicated team at Paragon Sport Spine & Wellness is here to support you in your journey toward recovery.
