Is discography safe?
A discogram is generally safe. But as with any medical procedure, a discogram carries a risk of complications, including: Infection. Worsening of chronic back pain.
What is a discography procedure?
A discogram, or discography, is an interventional diagnostic imaging test that helps determine whether a specific intervertebral disc may be the source of back pain. Intervertebral discs are sponge-like cushions between the vertebrae, or bones, of the spine.
What are the major functions of the intervertebral discs?
The inter- vertebral disc serves primarily to allow movement between adjacent vertebral bodies, to absorb shock, and to transmit loads through the vertebral column. The complex morphology and structure of the intervertebral disc of the lumbar spine reflects these functions.
Can a Discogram cause damage?
Because it is an invasive procedure, a discogram carries some risk of infection as a complication. This risk is exceptionally low as it is performed under sterile techniques. The discogram could also cause an injured disc to worsen and cause more symptoms.
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.
What causes spinal disc problems?
The natural aging process is the primary cause of degenerative disc disease since your discs naturally deteriorate as you age. Certain activities and factors can place additional stress on the spinal column and may accelerate the damage to the discs.
How long does it take to recover from a Discogram?
How long is the recovery time after a discogram? Patients may be sore for several days after the procedure. Any discomfort can be treated with the local application of ice packs or with a cooling pad on and off for periods of 20 minutes.
What are the signs of disc problems?
Symptoms of disc problems
- back pain.
- increased back pain when repetitively bending or with prolonged sitting.
- increased back pain with coughing, sneezing, laughing or straining.
- pain, numbness or pins-and-needles radiating into an arm or leg if a disc has caused irritation of a nearby nerve.
What is the treatment of disc problem?
an exercise program designed to improve strength, flexibility and fitness. a short-term (less than 12 week) trial of massage, spinal mobilisation or manual therapy. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or steroids. pain-relieving medications, such as paracetamol.
What causes disc damage?
A single excessive strain or injury may cause a herniated disc. However, disc material degenerates naturally as one ages, and the ligaments that hold it in place begin to weaken. As this degeneration progresses, a relatively minor strain or twisting movement can cause a disc to rupture.
How painful is a Discogram test?
Through this guide needle a much smaller disc needle is advanced towards and eventually into the center of the disc. This process should not be painful, but sometimes may be. The discogram procedure usually takes less than an hour to perform. You’ll have soreness from the needle punctures that lasts several days.
What causes disc problem?
Disc strain happens like any strains or sprains in other parts of the body. Applying sustained or excessive load to any soft tissues of the body (such as ligaments, tendons or muscles) can cause pain. If the force or load is more than the soft tissue can cope with, it may cause irritation and inflammation.
What are the 3 spine disorders?
There are three main types of spine curvature disorders, including:
- Lordosis. Also called swayback, the spine of a person with lordosis curves significantly inward at the lower back.
- Kyphosis. Kyphosis is characterized by an abnormally rounded upper back (more than 50 degrees of curvature).
- Scoliosis.
What are three spinal diseases?
Types of Spine Disorders
- Arthritis.
- Degenerative disc disease.
- Herniated disc.
- Spinal stenosis.
- Spondylosis.
Are disc problems serious?
Spinal disc problems can lead to symptoms of back pain, most often low back pain. The pain may also go into one or both of your legs (sciatica). Back pain with or without sciatica is very common. Most causes are not serious but it is very important for any serious cause to be found early so that it can be treated.
What is the symptoms of disc problem?
Symptoms of disc problems back pain. increased back pain when repetitively bending or with prolonged sitting. increased back pain with coughing, sneezing, laughing or straining. pain, numbness or pins-and-needles radiating into an arm or leg if a disc has caused irritation of a nearby nerve.
What’s the difference between disc and disk?
Although disc and disk are listed as variants for something round and flat in shape, each one seems to have a preferred usage. Disc is seen more often in the music industry and throwable objects such as Frisbees, whereas disk is the preferred spelling in computer-related lingo such as floppy disk.
What is the most common spinal disease?
The Most Common Spine Conditions
- Herniated Cervical Disc.
- Herniated Lumbar Disc.
- Spinal Cord Injuries.
- Spondylosis.
- Sciatica.
- Spinal Infections.
- Spinal Osteoarthritis (Spondylosis)
- Spinal Stenosis.
What is the most common spine problem?
Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is one of the most common spine issues in older adults. It refers to weakened bones due to a lower bone mass. Weakened bones in the spine become brittle and damaged, which can lead to fractures, collapsed vertebrae, and a hunched posture.
What are the limitations of provocative discography?
During provocative discography, excessive amounts of local anesthetic injected deep, closer to the disc/foramina just prior to intradiscal needle placement, may decrease the ability of the patient and proceduralist to detect spinal nerve contact during needle placement.
What are the possible complications of provocative lumbar discography?
The overall rate of complications following provocative lumbar discography is low, with reports ranging from 0% to 2.5%. Discitis, epidural abscess, and bacterial meningitis have all been reported. 5 – 11 More frequent procedural complications include acute paresthesias, muscle spasm, and minor bleeding.
When is provocative discography indicated in the treatment of severe back pain?
In general, provocative discography should be performed only if the patient has failed adequate attempts at conservative management of persistent severe back or neck pain and if non-invasive tests, such as MR imaging, do not provided sufficient information for a definitive diagnosis.
What are the complications of pregnancy?
Pregnancy Complications Complications of pregnancy are health problems that occur during pregnancy. They can involve the mother’s health, the baby’s health, or both. Some women have health problems that arise during pregnancy, and other women have health problems before they become pregnant that could lead to complications.