We perform a discogram to look at discs in detail to determine whether or not a patient's pain problem stems from this area. A needle is placed into the disk and contrast, or dye, is injected into the disk.

Pain specialists watch the flow of the dye under x-ray and look for the cracks and or leaks in the disc capsule. Additionally, we look to see if placing the dye into the disc causes the patient additional pain. Once we have determined whether or not the disc is the source of the patient's pain problem, we can then decide the best course of treatment to help the patient.

The discogram can be done in our office or as an outpatient procedure. Often, after we inject the contrast, or dye, into the disk, we have the patient undergo a CT-Scan so that we can look for the cracks in better detail. The patient usually has a mild backache for an hour afterward, which resolves quickly. Your doctor will tell you more about discograms if he or she thinks you may benefit from this diagnostic procedure.

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