Cervical Discogram

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Cervical Discogram

Cervical Discogram

Definition

A cervical discogram is a diagnostic tool that allows physicians to detect problems with the spinal discs of the neck. Unlike a diagnostic nerve block, a cervical discogram is only used for diagnostic purposes and has no pain relief benefits. Instead, it allows the physician to see if the disc is herniated, damaged, or suffers from an affiliated condition such as degenerative disc disease, and gives insight as to exactly which disc is affected. It also rules out the possibility of the pain being caused by something outside of the neck, which is often called referred pain. This procedure is performed when other conservative diagnostic methods have failed to locate the source of the pain.

Procedure

The procedure begins with the patient lying on either his or her back with the neck exposed. In order to reduce the risk of infection, the area will be sterilized and the patient may be given antibiotics through an IV if necessary. Patients will be awake during this procedure so they can give feedback to the physician, but they will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area. When the patient is fully numb, the physician injects a contrast dye into the disc. This special dye lights up on a live X-ray device known as a fluoroscope. It helps physicians confirm that the needle is properly situated within the spinal disc, but it also helps the physician see if any dye leaks out or produces any pain. Depending on the patient and situation, more than one disc may need to be evaluated. Once the physician has evaluated the discs, the needle is removed and a small bandage is applied. Overall, patients can expect the procedure to take between 30 minutes and one hour.

After Care

Following the procedure, patients may be monitored for a brief period before a caregiver can drive them home. The Tulsa Pain physicians recommend taking the day of the procedure to recover at home and using ice or over-the-counter pain medication if the neck is sore after the local anesthetic wears off. Patients should expect to take at least one full day off of work after having a cervical discogram. Fortunately, the risk of infection or complication is very low, but a physician will brief patients on any side effects they should look out for before the patient goes home. A follow up visit may be necessary in order to determine the best course of treatment recommended after seeing the results of this diagnostic exam.

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