Discogram
(Discography)
Medical Author:
William C.
Shiel, Jr, MD, FACP, FACR
Medical Contributing
Author:
Standiford Helm II,
MD
Medial Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
What is the anatomy of the disc of the spine (intervertebral disc)?
The disc is an important structure that rests between the bony building
blocks of the spine (vertebrae). The disc in the spine is sometimes referred to
as the intervertebral disc. Intervertebral discs help provide flexibility to our
spine. They also lessen the effect of impact on our spine by cushioning the bony
vertebrae. The disc is designed somewhat like a jelly donut. The disc has a
stronger outer layer (the annulus) that is
rather like a radial tire, and an inner gel (the nucleus) that acts as a sort of
shock absorber or cushion between
the bones of the spine.
What happens to the disc with injury or age?
With injury or age, these discs can become damaged, and the supporting
ligaments surrounding them weaken. One of the reasons we lose height as we age
is that the intervertebral discs lose their water content. This leads to
shrinkage of the disc and, as a result, height diminishes.
What is a discogram used for?
An injured disc can be a source of pain. A discogram is
used to determine if a particular disc is the source of pain. Discograms are
provocative tests, meaning that they attempt to reproduce rather than remove
pain. The reproduction
of pain during a discogram can help determine if injury to a particular disc is
the source of a person's pain.
How is a discogram performed?
When performing 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. Based upon this information, the diagnosis of a particular disc
injury can be made. The doctor can then determine what the optimal treatment
options are for relief of the underlying pain.
[An actual discogram as visualized using an x-ray viewing instrument called a
fluoroscope]
Next: What happens after the procedure? »
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