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Discogram

What is it?
A discogram is a diagnostic procedure to determine if your disc(s) is/are the source of your pain.

Who benefits?
Patients with possible disc pain.

Purpose
Identify specific discs contributing to the pain. The results are then used to try more advanced treatment options.

How is it done?
First, an IV is started and you may be given medicine for relaxation. Next, while lying on an x-ray table, your skin will be cleansed and prepared. Then, a needle will be inserted into each disc. To ensure proper placement of the dye, the procedure is performed under fluoroscopy of x-ray.

What to Expect:
If the disc is the source of your back, spine, extremity and/or leg pain, the injection will temporarily reproduce your symptoms, thus resulting a positive discogram. If the disc is not the source of your pain, the injection will not reproduce your symptoms or cause any discomfort, thus resulting a negative discogram. Following the procedure, you may experience some additional discomfort. You will then return to your original state within one week. A course of oral antibiotics will also be administered following the procedure.

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