Lumbar discography is indicated as a diagnostic maneuver in a selected set of patients suffering from back and lumbar radicular pain. Patients who may benefit from discography include (1) those patients with persistent back and /or lumbar radicular pain in whom traditional diagnostic modalities (i.e. MRI, CT) have failed to delineate a cause of the pain; (2) those patients that are confirmed to have a bulging disc, to determine whether such abnormalities are responsible for the pain; and (3) pre-surgical screening where a fusion may be performed but more information is needed.

You are to remain nothing by mouth 8 hrs prior to the procedure. Medications may be taken with a sip of water up to three hours before your procedure. You will need an escort to drive you home. You will be positioned on your stomach. An anesthesiologist will provide conscious sedation. You be able to answer questions at the suitable juncture. A needle will be placed into the discs. You will indicate varying degrees of discomfort associated with injections into the discs. The disk in question will be assessed as well as a "control" disc. This will allow the physician to correlate specific information to determine a diagnosis.

You will receive an IV (intravenous) antibiotic, and antibiotics will be given directly into the disc. This will assist in prevention of infection. A local anesthetic and "x-ray contrast" will also be utilized. To increase the success  rate and to limit complications, we  use the CT scan or fluoroscopy (special types of x-rays) for guidance.

Increased pain is a likely side effect of this procedure. Complications related to needle placement would be discussed by your physician prior to informed consent.

Recovery time varies, a few days of light activity is suggested. You may be required to take additional days off from work.