Lumbar Discogram

Lumbar Discogram: Advanced Diagnostic Testing for Lower Back Pain

At Precision Pain & Spine Institute, our board-certified specialists utilize advanced lumbar discography to precisely identify which damaged discs are causing your debilitating lower back pain. This specialized diagnostic procedure injects contrast dye directly into spinal discs, revealing hidden tears, herniations, and degenerative changes that traditional MRIs often miss. By pinpointing the exact pain-generating discs, our lumbar discogram testing creates targeted treatment plans for patients suffering from failed back surgery, sciatica, and chronic lumbar pain that hasn’t responded to conservative care.

What Is a Lumbar Discogram?

A lumbar discogram, also known as a discography, is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the health of intervertebral discs in the lumbar spine. It is beneficial for identifying disc-related pain that may not appear on standard imaging tests like MRIs or CT scans. During this procedure, a contrast dye is injected into one or more discs to determine whether they are the source of your discomfort. This test is often recommended for patients with:

Chronic lower back pain
Suspected discogenic pain
Degenerative disc disease
Persistent symptoms despite conservative treatments

Benefits of a Lumbar Discogram

The lumbar discogram tells you a lot about the health of your spine, which helps doctors make more effective treatment plans. Some important perks are:

Accurate diagnosis: Find the exact disc that is hurting.
Better treatment planning: This helps determine if surgery, like fusion or disc replacement, is needed.
Better results: It makes finding treatments that work better for your situation easier.

What to Expect During the Procedure

At Precision Pain and Spine Institute, we ensure your comfort and safety during a lumbar discogram. The procedure involves the following steps:

Preparation: You will lie down, and a local anesthetic is administered to numb the area.
Imaging Guidance: The physician inserts a thin needle into the targeted disc(s) using X-ray or fluoroscopic guidance.
Contrast Dye Injection: A contrast dye is injected into the disc to assess its structure and replicate symptoms.
Symptom Analysis: You will be asked to describe any pain you experience during the procedure.

The process typically takes 30-60 minutes, and you may feel temporary discomfort during the dye injection.

Recovery After a Lumbar Discogram

After the procedure, you will be monitored for a short period and provided with post-procedure instructions. Most patients experience mild soreness at the injection site, which can be managed with ice packs and over-the-counter pain relievers. Depending on your physician’s advice, you can resume normal activities within 24-48 hours.

Is a Lumbar Discogram Right for You?

A lumbar discogram is recommended for patients whose back pain has not been diagnosed through other imaging studies. It is beneficial for those considering surgical interventions like spinal fusion. Our spine specialists will thoroughly evaluate your symptoms and medical history to determine whether this procedure suits your condition.

Is TLIF Right for You?

TLIF may be a practical solution if you’ve been dealing with chronic back pain or nerve-related symptoms that have not responded to conservative treatments. Our spine specialists will thoroughly evaluate, including imaging studies and physical assessments, to determine if TLIF is the best course of action for your condition.

Leading Back Pain Treatment Center: Our Advanced Approach to Pain Relief

Precision Pain and Spine Institute is committed to delivering patient-centered care with advanced diagnostic and treatment options. By choosing us for your lumbar discogram, you benefit from:

Expertise in spine care diagnostics
State-of-the-art imaging technology
Personalized care tailored to your unique needs
Comprehensive post-procedure support

If chronic back pain is affecting your quality of life, a lumbar discogram at Precision Pain and Spine Institute can help uncover the root cause and provide effective treatment. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a pain-free life.