Discography is a specialized diagnostic test used to identify painful spinal discs that may be causing your back pain. By injecting contrast dye into the discs, Dr. Dipan Patel can pinpoint the exact source of discomfort, helping guide precise treatments tailored to your condition.
Confirm the Origin of Back or Neck Pain
Discography is a diagnostic procedure that is performed to identify which spinal disc is responsible for your back or neck pain. During the test, a small amount of contrast dye is injected into one or more discs under X-ray guidance. If a disc is damaged or generating pain, the injection typically reproduces your symptoms, helping confirm the source. This allows Dr. Patel to develop a treatment plan that addresses the specific disc causing your discomfort.
Benefits of Discography:
- Helps precisely identify which spinal disc is causing pain
- Distinguishes disc-related pain from muscle, joint, or nerve issues
- Provides valuable information when MRI or CT scans are inconclusive
- Assists in planning the most effective treatment or intervention
- Reduces the risk of unnecessary or ineffective procedures
- Guides personalized care tailored to your spinal condition
What Does Discography Identify?
Discography helps determine if one or more spinal discs are the true source of your pain. By injecting contrast dye and observing the response, the procedure identifies the discs that are damaged, irritated, or structurally compromised. This allows Dr. Dipan Patel to confirm whether your pain is disc-related, rather than caused by muscle, joint, or nerve issues.
Discography can highlight the true source of your symptoms, including:
- Persistent low back or neck pain that does not improve with rest
- Pain radiating into the arms, legs, or buttocks
- Worsening discomfort with sitting, bending, or lifting
- Pain that increases with spinal movement or pressure
- Unexplained nerve-related symptoms like tingling, numbness, or weakness
Will I Be Awake During the Procedure?
Yes, you will remain awake but comfortable during discography. A local anesthetic is used to numb the skin and tissues around your spine. You may also receive mild sedation to help you relax. Being awake is important because Dr. Patel needs your feedback about whether the injected disc reproduces your usual pain, which helps ensure accurate results.
What Happens During a Discography?
During a discography, you will lie on an X-ray table while the skin over your spine is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic. Using live X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy), Dr. Patel inserts a thin needle into one or more targeted spinal discs.
A contrast dye is then gently injected to assess the disc’s structure and to determine whether it reproduces your familiar pain symptoms. Throughout the procedure, you will be asked to describe what you feel, which helps confirm if the disc is the source of your pain. Once testing is complete, images are taken to evaluate any leaks or abnormalities in the disc. You will be monitored briefly before going home the same day. This provides Dr. Patel with information to guide a more accurate treatment plan.
How Long Does Discography Take?
The procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of discs being tested. You should also plan on additional time for preparation and recovery. Most patients go home the same day, but you may need someone to drive you due to sedation or soreness.
What Happens After Discography?
You may have some soreness at the injection site for a day or two, which usually improves with rest and over-the-counter medication. Dr. Patel will review your results and combine them with imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scans, to create a personalized treatment plan. This ensures you receive care directed at the exact cause of your pain.
Why Choose Dr. Patel for Discography?
Dr. Dipan Patel is a double board-certified interventional pain physician with advanced fellowship training in pain medicine from NYU Langone. He specializes in diagnosing complex spine conditions and uses procedures like discography to precisely identify the source of your discomfort. With his expertise, you can feel confident knowing your treatment plan will be accurate and tailored to your needs. Don’t let unresolved back or neck pain limit your life: schedule your consultation today for discography in Morris County, NJ.
