What Conditions Can a Discogram (Discography) Diagnose?
A Discogram, or Discography, is a diagnostic tool used to evaluate various conditions affecting the intervertebral discs in the spine, particularly when chronic back pain is present. This procedure is particularly helpful in diagnosing degenerative disc disease, a condition where the spinal discs undergo wear and tear over time, leading to pain, reduced flexibility, and potential instability in the spine. A discogram can also identify herniated discs, where the inner gel-like substance of a disc protrudes through a tear in its outer layer, potentially pressing on surrounding nerves and causing pain. Additionally, the test can reveal disc tears, known as annular tears, which occur when the outer layer of a disc is damaged, leading to internal leakage and irritation of the spinal nerves. These conditions often do not show up clearly on traditional imaging tests, making the discogram a valuable tool for identifying pain sources in the spine.
Another condition that a discogram can diagnose is spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal that can compress the nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the back and extremities. A discogram can also be helpful in identifying disc infections, though these are relatively rare. The test is especially useful when MRI or CT scans have not provided enough detailed information to pinpoint the cause of back pain. In cases where patients have already undergone other treatments like physical therapy or injections without improvement, a discogram helps clarify which specific disc or discs are responsible for the symptoms, allowing for more targeted treatment options such as surgery or advanced pain management therapies.
