How accurate is a discography?
Results: Based on a large number of comparative studies, plain discography is less accurate than magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosing lumbar herniated nucleus pulposus and comparable or slightly more sensitive in detecting degenerative disc disease.
Is a discography painful?
How painful is a discogram? The needle insertions for IV and local anesthetic may cause a mild stinging pain from the pricking. The discogram is designed to provoke existing pain to find out the source, so certain amount of pain is to be expected.
How is a discography done?
Discography is a diagnostic procedure in which x-ray dye is injected under gentle pressure into the discs of the spine. Based on the presence or absence of pain during the injection of dye, your doctor may be able to determine if the disc is responsible for your pain symptoms.
What does a positive Discogram mean?
If the disc is the source of your back, spine, extremity and/or leg pain the injection will temporarily reproduce your symptoms, thus resulting a positive discogram. If the disc is not the source of your pain the injection will not reproduce your symptoms or cause any discomfort, thus resulting a negative discogram.
What should I expect after 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.
Are you awake during a Discogram?
Although you’re awake during the procedure, your doctor might give you a sedative through a vein to help you relax. You also might be given an antibiotic to help prevent infection.
What is the average cost of a Discogram?
Pricing
| Procedure | CPT Code | Bundled Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cervical facet block (3 level) | 64490 | $1,200 |
| Cervical facet rhizotomy (3 level) | 64633 | $1,400 |
| Spinal cord stimulator trial, (incl.hardware) | 63650 | $4,500 |
| Diagnostic lumbar discogram (3-level) | 62290 | $2,000 |
How do you feel after a Discogram?
How will I feel after the discogram? You may have a temporary increase in back pain or pain at the injection site for several hours after your discogram. Apply ice packs and take your pain medication as directed by your doctor. You might also feel drowsy from the sedative medication.
How long does a Discogram last?
A discogram is performed in a clinic or hospital room that has imaging equipment. You’ll likely be there for up to three hours, although the test itself takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how many disks are tested.
What is the cost of radiofrequency ablation?
On MDsave, the cost of a Radiofrequency Ablation ranges from $2,240 to $4,243. Those on high deductible health plans or without insurance can save when they buy their procedure upfront through MDsave.
What can go wrong with radiofrequency ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation procedure-related risks. Damage to surrounding blood vessels and nerves during needle insertion resulting in excessive bleeding and/or irreversible neurologic damage causing long-term numbness and tingling. Heat damage to structures adjacent to the target nerve.
What is the success rate of radiofrequency ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation is 70-80% effective in people who have successful nerve blocks. The procedure can be repeated if needed.
What do you need to know about a discogram?
A discogram, also spelled diskogram, is a test used to evaluate back pain. A discogram might help your doctor determine if an abnormal disk in your spine is causing your back pain.
What do you need to know about a discography?
Overview A discogram, also called discography, is an imaging test used to evaluate back pain. A discogram might help your doctor determine if a specific abnormal disk in your spine is causing your back pain. Spinal disks are spongelike cushions between the bones (vertebrae) of the spine.
Can a discogram be used to diagnose back pain?
However, discograms are not always accurate in pinpointing which disks, if any, are causing back pain. Many doctors instead rely on other tests, such as MRI and CT scanning, to diagnose disk problems and guide treatment. A discogram is generally safe. But as with any medical procedure, a discogram carries a risk of complications, including:
Do you feel pain during the discogram injection?
During the procedure. Typically, if a disk is causing your back pain, you will feel pain during the injection that’s similar to the back pain you have daily. If a disk is normal, there’s little pain during the injection. During the discogram, you’ll be asked to rate your pain.