Lumbar Discography is a diagnostic procedure that is used to determine if back pain is a result of damage to the soft spongy discs between vertebrae. Special dye is injected directly into spinal discs after which an X-ray or CT scan is performed. A radiologist reviews and interprets the results, looking to see if, how and where the dye has spread within each disc.
The Lumbar Discography procedure takes about 45 minutes. The procedure itself is not painful, however if a disc is damaged, you may experience pain similar to the persistent back pain that is consistent with your condition. Upon completion of the procedure you will usually remain under observation for about an hour. After we review the results of the procedure we will schedule an appointment to go over them with you and discuss next steps in your treatment plan.
After the procedure, most patients experience a mild to moderate increase in back pain for a day or two before the pain returns to baseline. Otherwise, side effects are not common and we will discuss the risks and any concerns you may have prior to treatment.
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