Lumbar Discograms:

Lumbar discograms are a test, which is done to verify pain coming from one or the other discs. Discograms are done in a sterile environment i.e. the operating room. The patient is treated with IV antibiotics before the test is done to prevent infection. Under sterile condition the suspect disc/discs are probed with a needle along with a normal control disc. The discs are then injected one by one with contrast material, which causes pressurization of the disc/s and may reproduce the patient’s symptoms of lower back or leg pain. Pictures of the discs are obtained. The combination of grade of disc disruption, and similarity and severity of pain reproduced helps the physician tailor his future treatment of the patient’s specific condition. Significant risks include infection and nerve damage although they are uncommon. Allergic reactions to the contrast may rarely happen. Further information can be obtained from the link on SPINAL INJECTIONS provided on the website.