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If pain is coming from a disc, discography helps to confirm this in a concrete, quantifiable way. The pressure measurement increases the sensitivity of this procedure. Depending on the findings of the procedure, the painful disc can be treated with IDET or Nucleoplasty.

Where is the procedure performed?
It is done as an outpatient at our surgical suite under fluoroscopy.

How is the procedure performed?
Lumbar discography is a high-comlexity diagnostic procedure where a needle is placed into the disc. Fluoroscopy (continuous X-ray) is used while the dye is flowing, as the dye is being injected. Pressure inside the disc is recorded and the patient's verbal responses documented

What are the risks and side effects?

1. Possible nerve trauma since the disc and nerve root are in close proximity.
2. Possible postdural puncture headache, since the dura occasionally needs to be punctured.
3. Possible discitis or disc infection which is very rare; however, if it occurs the treatment is usually removal of the infected disc.
4. Possible spinal cord trauma during thoracic or cervical discograms. This is even more rare than discitis. This is not a risk in the lumbar discograms below L2.

What should I do after the procedure?
After the procedure, you will be required to have someone drive you home. You should take it easy for that day and rest. The next day you should be able to resume your normal daily activities that you were doing prior to the procedure.

Can I go to work the next day?
If you are working prior to the procedure, you can go back to work the day after the procedure. If you are not working prior to the procedure, because of the pain and other problems, you should discuss this with your physician at Midwest Pain Treatment Center for further instructions.