Discography Procedure for Pain Management
Intradiscal Therapies
Treatment Overview
Back pain can sometimes come from problems within the spinal discs — the cushions between the bones of your spine. Discography is an intradiscal procedure designed to identify whether one or more discs are the source of your pain. While it does not treat pain directly, it plays a key role in guiding future treatment by confirming if a disc is damaged or painful.
How the Procedure Works
During a discography, your provider uses fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance to place a thin needle into one or more discs and inject contrast dye. The dye makes the disc visible on imaging studies and can also reproduce your typical pain. This helps pinpoint whether the disc is truly the source of symptoms, which is critical before considering advanced treatments such as injections, minimally invasive therapies, or surgery.
Who Benefits from Intradiscal Therapies
Each intradiscal therapy addresses specific needs related to spinal disc issues, offering targeted relief based on individual needs. Here’s who benefits from a discography:
- Individuals with Discogenic Pain: Those experiencing pain originating from the intervertebral discs, often due to degeneration or herniation.
- People with Chronic Back Pain: Especially when conventional treatments have been ineffective, and pain persists despite other therapies.
- Candidates for Minimally Invasive Options: Individuals seeking alternatives to more invasive surgeries who want to avoid extensive recovery times.
- Individuals Preparing for Further Treatment: Those who require a precise diagnosis to guide future interventions, such as surgery or targeted therapies.
- Candidates for Diagnostic Clarity: Individuals whose imaging studies are inconclusive and need additional information to accurately diagnose disc-related issues.
- Candidates for Disc Repair: People who need interventions to promote natural repair processes and improve disc structure.
What to Expect
- Preparation: Discography is performed at our same-day surgery center. You’ll change into a surgical gown, and sedation or local anesthesia will be provided to keep you comfortable.
- Procedure: Using X-ray guidance, your provider will place a thin needle into the disc and inject contrast dye. You may be asked to describe how the injection feels, which helps determine if the disc is reproducing your usual pain.
- Recovery: The procedure typically takes less than an hour. Afterward, you’ll rest for a short time before heading home. Mild soreness for a day or two is common and can usually be managed with over-the-counter medication.
Insurance & Billing
Your eligibility for any procedure depends on the benefits outlined by your insurance provider, and our team at Nura will assist you with the authorization process.
Comprehensive Care
At Nura, we seamlessly integrate interventional procedures, physical therapy, psychological support and medications. Research shows that this comprehensive approach is the most effective way to manage chronic pain.
Find Pain Relief
Schedule an appointment with one of our pain specialists by filling out our appointment request form or giving us a call at 763-537-6000.
