The discogram is a diagnostic test to determine which discs are responsible for a patient's ongoing spinal pain. This test is most often used to help to decide where to perform surgery, or to confirm the diagnosis of discogenic spinal pain. Imaging studies, the quality and location of the pain, and the findings on physical examination are used to decide which discs to test. It is common to test multiple discs. Needles are placed into the target discs, and with gentle inflation, the discs are stretched to see which are sensitive, and a potential source of pain. Local anethsthetic and sedation are routinely administered to make the test as comfortable as possible. The discomfort produced should not significantly exceed the patient's usual, everyday pain. Please bring a driver to take you home after the test, and refrain from eating or drinking 6 hrs prior to the procedure.
