Here is the second installment about Discography brought to you by Spine Center of Texas:
Does discography hurt?
The disc stimulation will likely reproduce the painful symptoms of your affected spine disc. Remember to inform your attending physician of whatever you’re feeling during the stimulation. You are unlikely to be heavily sedated since the physician needs you to provide him/her reliable information during the procedure.
Are there any preparations I should do before the procedure?
Make sure you don’t eat or drink for at least eight hours before your scheduled procedure. Arrange for someone to drive you home. You can take a shower using an antibacterial soap beforehand. If you’re taking medication for high blood pressure or any type of heart condition, take it at the usual time with a sip of water. Make sure to inform your physician if you’re currently taking medication that thins the blood or may cause excessive bleeding, such as Coumadin, Plavix, Aggrenox, Pletal, Ticlid, and Lovenox.
What should I expect after discography?
After discography, some patients may experience mild to moderate increase in back pain for a day or two. After that, the pain should return to baseline. If it doesn’t return to its original pain intensity, make sure to inform your physician immediately.
What should I do after the procedure?
Take time to rest and relax after the procedure. You can apply an ice pack if you’re experiencing any pain at the injection sites. Make sure to avoid driving for at least 24 hours following discography. Physicians usually advise their patients to go home and return to work the next day.
Are there any side effects?
Modern technology has considerably improved patient care safety, there is still no guarantee of a perfect outcome for any type of medical test or procedure. Fortunately, discography has a very low chance of side effects and complications. The doctor will discuss everything before the procedure is performed.
