Discography

What is discography?

Discography is a diagnostic injection technique that Dr. Travnicek uses to evaluate spine pain if you haven’t responded to nonsurgical treatments. It’s an imaging test (X-rays or a CT scan) combined with dye injected into the center of one or more spinal discs. The procedure allows Dr. Travnicek to determine the most appropriate way to treat spine discomfort.

Why might I need discography?

Dr. Travnicek could recommend discography if you have persistent neck, mid, and back pain despite trying medications, physical therapy, or other conservative treatments without success. If you need to have spinal discs operated on, discography also helps Dr. Travnicek determine which ones are pain generators. 

How should I prepare for discography?

It’s important to follow Dr. Travnicek’s instructions before undergoing discography. She may ask you to stop taking certain medications or avoid foods and drinks the morning of your scheduled procedure. If you’re planning to receive a sedative, arrange for a family member or friend to drive you home after the procedure and stay with you.

What happens during the procedure?

Dr. Travnicek performs discography in an outpatient setting. While the test only takes 30-60 minutes, you might be at the office for up to three hours. She offers you a sedative through a vein in your arm to help you feel more relaxed, as well as an antibiotic to reduce the risk of infection.

During discography, you lie on your abdomen or back on a table. Dr. Travnicek cleans your skin and uses numbing medication to eliminate any pain. She then uses imaging guidance to place a needle into the center of a spinal disc, before injecting dye. If the dye stays inside of the disc, the disc is healthy. If the dye spreads outside the disc’s center, it has undergone wear-and-tear. 

Whether or not you feel discomfort during the injection also determines if the disc is healthy or not. Dr. Travnicek asks you to describe what you feel during the procedure.

What should I expect after discography?

After the discography, you can go home the same day but have someone drive you there. You might experience temporary tenderness at the injection site or in your lower back. Apply ice to the treatment area to enhance comfortability.

Dr. Travnicek reviews the results with you and lets you know if you need further diagnostic testing or surgery to manage pain better. She personalizes each treatment plan to match your lifestyle, needs, and preferences.

To learn more about discography and find out if it’s right for you, call the Pain Institute of Nevada, Inc office or schedule an online appointment.