Cervical, Thoracic, & Lumbar Discography FAQ

The spine is an architectural marvel of nature that doesn’t just keeps us upright and flexible—it literally holds us together. But when things go wrong within this critical structure, especially with our discs, it’s a whole new world of discomfort. Luckily, discography, a diagnostic test that sounds more like a music genre than a medical procedure, can help pinpoint the source of your backpain. Here’s a breakdown of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar discography FAQs, so you can get to know this procedure and how it could help you.

What on earth is discography, anyway?

Imagine your spine as a stack of doughnuts (the vertebral discs) with a jelly filling (the nucleus). Discography is like taking a closer look at each doughnut to see if the jelly is leaking, indicating damage. By injecting a contrast dye into the spinal discs, doctors can get a clearer picture of your spine’s health, especially in the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), and lumbar (lower back) regions.

Does it hurt? I’m not a fan of pain.

Fair question! Most patients report feeling pressure rather than pain during the injection. You’ll be under local anesthesia, which means you’ll be awake but the area will be numbed. Think of it as watching a movie where you know the plot but can’t feel the suspense.

Why would I need such an oddly named test?

Discography is typically recommended when other tests, like MRIs or CT scans, have been unable to pinpoint the source of your symptoms. It’s especially useful if you’re considering surgery for chronic back pain, as it pinpoints the exact discs causing trouble.

What’s the recovery like?

After your discography, you might want to take it easy. While you don’t have to strictly stay on “bed rest,” the test site might be sore for a day or two. In most cases, you’ll be back to your usual routine in no time.

Are there risks?

As with any procedure involving needles, there’s a small chance of infection or bleeding. But the real risk lies in not getting it done if your doctor recommends it, as undiagnosed spinal issues can lead to a symphony of woes.

How do I prepare? Do I need to fast?

You might need to fast for a few hours before the test, so it’s more of a mini-feast situation. Your doctor will give you the lowdown, including whether to pause certain medications.

Care for Your Spine at Impact Medical Group of Lutz

Does cervical, thoracic, and lumbar discography still sound like a foreign concept to you? Impact Medical Group of Lutz is happy to translate and guide you through every step of your accident recovery journey. Call us today at (813) 536-0373 to discover how discography can be the first step toward treating your back and spinal concerns.