Diagnostic Discogram

What is Diagnostic Discogram

Diagnostic Discogram is an X-ray test. It helps to find out why you have very bad pain in your back or neck.

The backbone, or spine, is made of bones (vertebrae). There is an oval-shaped disk between each of those bones. Each disk is a spongy cushion. If there are problems with the disks, they may cause pain.

During the test, your doctor will inject a dye (contrast) into the spaces between the disks in your lower back. This dye can be seen on an X-ray. The dye can show which disks are causing your pain.

What happens before the procedure?

Medicines

  • Ask your doctor about:
    • Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is important if you take diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
    • Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood.Do nottake these medicines before your procedure if your doctor tells you not to. If possible, stop taking these medicines 10–14 days before the procedure, or as told by your doctor.
    • Stopping the use of vitamin E.

Staying hydrated

Follow instructions from your doctor about hydration, which may include:

  • Up to 2 hours before the procedure – you may continue to drink clear liquids, such as water, clear fruit juice, black coffee, and plain tea.

Eating and drinking restrictions

Follow instructions from your doctor about eating and drinking, which may include:

  • 8 hours before the procedure – stop eating heavy meals or foods such as meat, fried foods, or fatty foods.
  • 6 hours before the procedure – stop eating light meals or foods, such as toast or cereal.
  • 6 hours before the procedure – stop drinking milk or drinks that contain milk.
  • 2 hours before the procedure – stop drinking clear liquids.

General instructions

  • You will have:
    • A physical exam.
    • Imaging tests of your back. These may include X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI.
    • Blood tests.
  • Plan to have someone take you home from the hospital or clinic.

What happens during the procedure?

  • To reduce your risk of infection:
    • Your health care team will wash or sanitize their hands.
    • Your skin will be washed with soap that kills germs.
    • Hair may be removed where a hollow needle will be put in your back.
    • You may be given an antibiotic medicine.
  • You may be given medicines so you do not have pain and do not feel sick to your stomach (nauseous).
  • An IV tube will be placed into one of your veins. Medicine goes through the IV tube.
    • You may be given a medicine to help you relax (sedative).
    • You will be given a medicine to numb the area (local anesthetic).
  • Small monitors will be put on your body. They are used to check your heart, blood pressure, and oxygen level.
  • You will lie on your side on the exam table.
  • A long, hollow needle will be put through your skin and muscle. An X-ray will help to guide the needle to the disk.
  • A type of X-ray (fluoroscopy) will be taken. This shows where the needle is.
  • A second needle will be put through the hollow needle. It will go into the disk that is being tested.
  • A dye will be injected into the disk. The dye makes the disk easy to see on an X-ray.
  • The pressure inside each disk will be measured.
  • You will be asked if you feel pain. If you have pain, you will be asked where you feel it. You may be asked to tell how the pain compares to other pain that you have had in your back, neck, leg, or arm.
  • A CT scan will be done. This shows if any dye is leaking from the disk.
  • The needles will be taken out. Pressure will be put on the spot to stop any bleeding.
  • The opening in your skin will be covered with a bandage (dressing).

The procedure may vary among doctors and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

  • Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level will be monitored until the medicines you were given have worn off.
  • Some pain after this procedure is normal. You may be given medicine for your pain.
  • You will stay in a recovery area until you are no longer in a lot of pain and you are able to walk.

Care After Diagnostic Discogram

This sheet gives you information about how to care for yourself after your procedure. Your doctor may also give you more specific instructions. If you have any problems or questions, contact your doctor.

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
  • Do not drive or use heavy machinery while taking prescription pain medicine.
  • Do not take over-the-counter pain medicine unless your doctor says it is okay.

Managing pain, stiffness, and swelling

If directed, put ice on the area where the needle went into your back (insertion area):

  • Put ice in a plastic bag.
  • Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
  • Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times a day.

Wound care

  • Follow instructions from your doctor about how to take care of your wound from the procedure. Make sure you:
    • Wash your hands with soap and water before you change your bandage (dressing). If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
    • Change your dressing as told by your doctor.
  • Check your wound area every day for signs of infection. Check for:
    • Redness, swelling, or pain.
    • Fluid or blood.
    • Warmth.
    • Pus or a bad smell.
  • Do not take baths, swim, or use a hot tub until your doctor says it is okay.

General instructions

  • Do not lift anything that is heavier than 10 lb (4.5 kg), or the limit that your doctor tells you, until he or she says it is safe.
  • Do not return to work or school until your doctor says it is okay.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.

Contact a doctor if:

  • You still have pain after taking pain medicine.
  • You have very bad pain in your arm or leg and it gets worse.
  • You feel sick to your stomach (nauseous) and it does not go away.
  • You throw up (vomit) and it does not stop.
  • You have a fever.
  • Your wound area feels warm to the touch.
  • You have any of these in your wound area:
    • Redness, swelling, or pain.
    • Fluid or blood.
    • Pus or a bad smell.

Get help right away if:

  • Your pain gets much worse all of a sudden.
  • You are not able to control when you pee (urinate) or poop (bowel movement).
  • You have chest pain or trouble breathing.
  • You get dizzy all of a sudden or you pass out (faint).
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