i'd google "discogram" for more details about the procedure... it's a test that allows your doc to know which of any abnormal discs on mri or other suspected levels are "pain generators"... the idea being you don't want to operate on an asymptomatic level or miss a level that doesn't look so bad in MRI but is causing a lot of pain.
my L5/S1 disc doesn't look awful on MRI - and it made other docs miss my diagnosis for years. once i found a good interventional pain/spine guy who actually listened and put the picture together, and looked more closely at my mri... i ultimately had a discogram that confirmed that my pain was coming from that disc, and also that i had a big ole annular tear (of which there was just a hint on mri).
some people will tell you it's the worst thing ever. i won't lie - it SUCKS - and i've had TWO, and i'm still alive/walking/continent. make sure they're gonna med you up well after and don't do anything but rest for 3-4 days after. i tried to do too much after my first one and learned my lesson.
__________________
US non-spine MD - laid up no more!!!
had recurrent annular tear L5/S1, failed everything
M6L done 10/19/11 w/ Dr Clavel  getting back to my old self more and more every week!
laidupdoc@gmail.com if my PM box is full
The content herein represents my professional thought and opinions in a general sense only; they do not constitute professional advice or services. if you need medical advice, please consult a licensed physician.
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