Discogram

A discogram is a specialized x-ray test used to assist your doctor to determine which disc is the source of your symptoms. This test, along with other imaging studies will help your doctor diagnose your spine disorder and determine appropriate treatment.

How to Prepare

The discogram is performed on an outpatient basis. You can expect to go home on the same day as your procedure, about six hours after the discogram is completed.

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the day before your test. If you are on medications, you may take them with sips of water. If you are a diabetic, discuss your medication with your physician.

The following medications will need to be stopped 7-10 days prior to your discogram since they decrease your blood's ability to clot:

	Aspirin and aspirin containing products: Alka-Seltzer, Anacin, Ascriptin, Bufferin, Darvon Compound 65, Ecotrin, Fiorinal, Norgesic, Percodan, Soma Compound.
	Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS): Advil, Aleve, Anaprox, Celebrex, Daypro, Ibuprofen Indocin, Lodine, Lovinox, Motrin, Naproxyn, Nuprin, Relafen, Toradol, Voltaren.
	If you are on Coumadin (warfarin), Plavix (clopidogrel), Persantine (dipyridamole), ReoPro(Abciximab), Ticlid (ticlopidine),or Trental (pentoxifylline) these will also need to be stopped about 5 -7 days before your test. Your medical or heart doctor will advise you about the exact date of stopping any of these medications. Do Not Stop any of these medications without your doctor's instructions.
	If you are taking vitamins or herbal supplements please discuss these with your nurse/doctor. Some of these may affect your blood's ability to clot.

If you are unsure about whether or not you can take a certain medication before your discogram check with your doctor. Always inform your doctor of all medications, vitamins and herbal supplements that your are taking.

Pain medications which may be taken prior to your discogram include: Tylenol (acetaminophen), Vicodin (lortab, hydrocodone) or Ultram.

If you develop a cold, fever, or flu symptoms before your scheduled appointment, contact your doctor.

Tell your CINN physician if you are pregnant or if you have any allergies, such as those to any medications, shellfish, or iodine or other contrast solutions.

What to Expect

After you settle into your room and put on a hospital gown, you nurse will perform a brief physical exam on you, which will include taking your vital signs and conducting a brief neurological exam. An intravenous line will be placed in your arm, and you will be asked to empty your bladder. When the time comes for your test, you will be taken to an examination room.

The radiologist will cleanse your back with antiseptic solution and inject a local anesthetic into the skin on your back to numb the area. You may feel a burning sensation for a few seconds. After the area is numb, the radiologist will insert another needle through the skin, into the disc space. You will not feel any sharp pain, although you may feel as though someone is pushing on your back. Next a contrast solution (water-soluble dye) will be injected into your disc space. This will recreate the symptoms you have been experiencing or will intensify the symptoms you currently have. Although your pain will be increased, it is important that you lie still. The radiologist will repeat the same procedure on all the levels ordered by your CINN physician.

After the Discogram

Following the procedure, you will be taken back to your room where you will remain in bed with your head elevated for the first six hours after your discogram. When you need to empty your bladder, you will need to use a bedpan or urinal. About six hours after your discogram is completed, you may return home. YOU MUST have a family member or friend drive you home. If you do not have a ride your discogram will be canceled for that day.

After you return home, go on complete bed rest for 24 hours. While on bed rest, you may sit up to a 30-degree angle for meals and may get up to use the bathroom. You will probably be able to resume your normal activities after 24 hours. If, after this amount of time, you are still experiencing a headache or other troubling symptoms, please call your CINN physician.

You may have some side effects after the discogram one of which is a headache which can persist for several hours or up to several days. Other symptoms include nausea, dizziness, or tightness in the shoulders, base of the neck or lower back.

This procedure may also aggravate your current back symptoms. If this happens, staying on bed rest for a day or two may help relieve your pain.

Unless otherwise instructed, drink plenty of fluids for the remainder of the day. Drinking caffeinated beverages may be helpful in relieving a headache. Tylenol may also help to relieve a headache. Do not, however, take any aspirin-containing medications or other medications mentioned on the front of this pamphlet.

Notify your doctor immediately if you develop: fever, chills, increased headache unrelieved by medication and fluids, a change in your pain or an intolerable increase in pain.