What is a Discogram injection?
In a discogram, a contrast liquid is injected into the center of one or more spinal discs using x-ray guidance. This injection may temporarily reproduce the patient’s back pain symptoms. As part of the procedure, an x-ray or CT scan also may be performed to obtain pictures of the injected disc.
How painful is a cervical Discogram?
A normal disc will not be painful when a small amount of dye is injected. However if the patient’s pain is coming from the disc, it is likely that the contrast injection will cause pain similar to what the patient normally experiences.
Who performs a Discogram?
A doctor and at least one technician will be in the room. After cleaning your back with a cooling antiseptic, the doctor will numb the area of your back where the needle will be inserted. Using fluoroscopy, the radiologist guides a needle into the disc or discs that will be examined.
Does discogenic pain go away?
In some cases, discogenic pain may heal on its own, or the pain may also be persistent. Conservative treatment is often the first option to manage pain. A patient may use anti-inflammatory drugs, ice or heat therapy, and physical therapy.
How much is a Discogram cost?
Pricing
Procedure | CPT Code | Bundled Price |
---|---|---|
Cervical facet block (3 level) | 64490 | $1,200 |
Cervical facet rhizotomy (3 level) | 64633 | $1,400 |
Spinal cord stimulator trial, (incl.hardware) | 63650 | $4,500 |
Diagnostic lumbar discogram (3-level) | 62290 | $2,000 |
How do you treat discogenic pain?
Discogenic pain treatment Conservative treatment is often the first option to manage pain. A patient may use anti-inflammatory drugs, ice or heat therapy, and physical therapy. Physical therapy sessions may be centered around back exercises or spinal traction. Some types of injectable therapy may also help reduce pain.
What happens during a discogram and disc injection?
Typically, if a disk is causing your back pain, you will feel pain during the injection that’s similar to the back pain you have daily. If a disk is normal, there’s little pain during the injection. During the discogram, you’ll be asked to rate your pain.
How painful is a discogram?
During a discogram, a needle is inserted into the disc and a contrast dye is injected. This extra fluid in the disc increases the pressure in the disc. Patients with an injured disc may then experience pain that can mimic the pain they have been experiencing. The intensity of the pain is recorded on a 0-10 scale. How Painful Is a Discogram?
Why do I have a negative discogram after a discogram?
If the disc is not the source of your pain the injection will not reproduce your symptoms or cause any discomfort, thus resulting a negative discogram. After the Procedure: Following the procedure, you may experience some additional discomfort. You will then return to your original state within one week.
What is a discogram and how is it performed?
A discogram is a diagnostic procedure to determine if your vertebral disc (s) is/are your source of back pain. You will be informed where and when to report for the procedure.