Is a discogram painful
 

Is a discogram painful to have done I have two torn disc and the pain doc wants to do a discogram:eek:

I would want to know the truth, so I'll let you know what my doctor told me. While trying to determine which disks were causing some of my symptoms prior to surgery the doctor had me go through some tests that numbed certain nerves between specific disks -this was uncomfortable, but not unbearable. He said to be more specific he could do a distogram, but he didn't want to put me though it as it was pretty bad. I would ask your doctor is there is an alternative procedure to give him the information he needs.

Depends on how much damage there is- the worse things are, the worse the pain will be- and when things aren't too bad it's no big deal. But if your back has been through a lot, and those discs are shredded all to heck then discogram injections into the bad discs can be horrendously painful. (sometimes worse than that)

If you've been doing a lot of heavy lifting for years and are the stoical type, the discs might be a lot worse than most folks, in which case you'd be better off getting a second opinion as to whether the discogram injections are really necessary. Many docs do them for the wrong reasons (and then the surgeon later tells you that there was no need for them in your case.)

But if you just injured your back once, I wouldn't worry too much.

good luck.

My back is in bad shape it is into my foot the pain never goes away no matter with the Drs have done.I just do not know if would do any good to have on done when they the shots it was not fun lets of pressure and they hit a nerve two times:mad:
here is what my MRI said

I had a MRI in 2006 and this is it There is a grade 1 anterolisthesis of L4-L5 with a hemanioma in the L2 vertebral body, The conus medullaris terminates at the level of L1-L2 and shows normal signal. This is suggesttion or a small synovial cyst posterior to the bilateral L4-L5 facet articulation.Mild bone marrow edema adjacent to the facet articulations at L4-L5 and L5-S1 are likely related to sever degenerative/ arthritic changes. Mild T2 hyperintensity in the paravertebral soft tissues adjacent to the left L4-L5 facet articulation likely represents represents reactive change as well. At L1-L2 level no central canal or foraminal compromise.
At L2-L3 level no central canal or foraminal compromise
At the L-3-L4 level there is minmal bulge asmmetrically prominent to the right side. Central canal shows no significant compromise, Neural foramina show minimal narrowing bilaterally. There may be a right posterolateral annular tear.
At the L4-L5 level there is a diffuse disc bulge associated with bilateral facet and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy. There is mild central canal stenosis at this level. There is mild left neural foraminal narowing. The right neural foramen remains patent.
At the L-5-S1 level there is a mild diffuse disc bulge associated with a posterior annular tear. the central canal is not stenotic. There is a mild neural forminal narrowing. The right neural foramen remains patent.
1. Atthe L4-L5 level there in mild central canal stenosis secondary to disc bulge, ligamentum flavum hypertrophy as well as severe facet hypertrophic degeneraive change bilaterally
2. Grade 1 anterolisthesis of the L4 and L5 that was the mri in 2006.

I just do not know if would do any good to have on done when they the shots it was not fun lets of pressure and they hit a nerve two times:mad:

Discogram Pain?
 

I have been told by my Doctors that I need to have this done to determine if I need to have L4 & L3 Disc replaced.
How painful is this?
Very scarry when it comes to the spine.....:confused:

can be very painfull
 

As stated they can be very painfull, depending on how bad your disc are. For me the pain was extremely bad for two of my discs, but thank god they had good IV meds injected into me right away after the proceedure. As long as they have the IV meds there for you I wouldnt worry.

The discogram did give some really good information about my situation. Prior to the discogram they didnt know to what extent my DDD was causing me pain. Once the test was done, it was obvious and this information will go into the decession making of weather or not I get surgery.

This is my first time on here. Please excuse me if I am doing this wrong. ;)

I had a disogram done a few weeks ago. It was the absolute worst pain I've felt in my life! It's not a test that is supposed to help you feel better by any means, just to test where your pain is and where they need to operate. As a result, I need to have a 3 level fusion on my L-4, L-5 and S-1.

I know I'm a bit behind on this thread since I just joined. I hope someone needing information can use it though.

Discogram sounds harmless enough but up until November of this year it was the worse pain I ever felt. Luckily when the procedure was over, so was the pain. My doc says they have to create the pain to find the pain and they did. I'm an ex Navy sailor with a lot of years at sea and I though I heard every cuss word in the book but when I had my discogram I used them all and I think I made up a few of my own. I apologized to the staff and they just laughed and complimented me on my new words.

The pain wasn't ongoing during the procedure but when the needle was in the pain was there. It didn't take too long though and I got over it quickly.

Good luck with it...but remember, you'll probably get over it very quickly!!!

I do not know if I am too late, but to anyone who is considering a discogram/disography (googled it or whatever). I want to say I have been through all sorts of pain throughout my life, but the discogram was something I never expected. It was the WORST pain I ever incurred in my life. No, I am not exaggerating. I asked my doctor when he recommended this, if it would be very painful. He told me there would be moderate pain, well he was being modest because it took a new nurses to hold me down. It also depends on how bad your discs are too. If they are bad, then it will be bad. After the discogram/discography my neurosurgeon still uses my MRIs to determine treatment, so I don't know what the procedure was for (kinda ****** me off). If you are not considering surgery, I would say it is a waste of time to get this procedure done.

I agree with nikkinac, I too never knew that pain came in that flavor. I never imagined there was pain that bad and I am fairly certain that if they had not given me the meds I would have gone into shock. But, once they gave me the IV meds, I was mostly out of pain.

As far as the importance of the discogram, I found out that I had numerous annular tears and that two discs were causing me pain. For some reason this test didnt mean too much to my surgeon and he explained that he uses it to make his final decission on surgery. If it had only been one disc and it was very clear that it reproduced my normal pain he would have fused that disc.

It can be the worst thing to ever happen to you
 

My wife had a discogram 3 days ago. We were recomended to a neurosurgeon by our insurance company and he orderd the procedure. With the countless x-rays, MRI's, and CT's that my wife has had, the problem with her back was more than clear without having to get a discogram. During and after the procedure, it was the worst pain that she had ever experienced. After having two children, she said it was 10 times worse than child birth. It took her a full day just to be able to roll over in bed and two full days for her to be able to walk very short distances. It wasn't until later that I discovered that the procedure has become almost obsolete and that there are other, non-invasive test that can determine the same information. It is recomended by my radiologist friends ***** that if your doctor orders this, get a second opinion before you go through with it. It might be the most painful thing you ever go through.

I had a discogram done prior to surgery ordered by ortho surgeon. YES it was very painful and I thought I had a high pain tolerance. I will tell you that when I went for pre-op with Neuro surgeon he told me that I should not have been put through a discogram as he confirmed what it did by placing his finger under my left big toe and having me try to push against his finger with toe. When I did this my toe was like a limp noodle. it went all the way down against his finger. he then pricked my toe and I could feel nothing. He took my toe and wiggled it around and I was in shock that it was as it was i had no clue. He said that my big toe was dead and this confirmed that L5 was gone. so you may go to a neurosurgeon and see what he if he does the toe exam. I spiked a temp on the 4th day and they had me get to the hospital and admitted me as they thought I may have spinal infection from the discogram. I was kept in for 24 hrs. Had surgery 2weeks later and Iam 6 mo's post-op and going in for hardware removal and granulation tissue removal on the 27th of this month and Iam scared witless. I had to have hardware injections to confirm if it was the hardware that was causing an increase in pain and it confirmed even more. I will say that the discogram was painful, but It is good when a surgeon wants these test done before they do surgery to make sure there is just cause for surgery. Good Luck and I will keep you in my prayers and keep us posted on your decision and or outcome.

I got into a car accident over 3 years ago, x-rays and MRI's didn't show any signs of anything unusual. I've tried injections, at least 3 different places of physical therapy, chiropractor, and massage therapy (which helped a little bit). My doctor from the Virginia Spine Institute wanted to get a Discography done to see whether he could find something. I was told that it could be uncomfortable if he found the painful spot and that I would be sadated just enough to where I was awake but I was a little numb. I have alot of anxiety from the accident and told him to watch my anxiety level so I don't freak out, which he said he would do. When he was doing the test I didn't feel much, but when he got to the L3-L4 area the pain was unbearable. My anxiety level spiked and the pain was to much to handle. He wouldn't give me any more medicine but he said he found the trouble spot. After he got the test results back he said that one of my discs was messed up and the only way to fix it would be a spinal fusion. I'm nervous about getting the surgery, I've had 2 other opinions and they both said that surgery would be best but there was no promise it would get completely fixed. I'm hoping to get the surgery done by the end of the year but if anyone has any information, stories or anything that could help, I'd greatly apreciate it.

Chrissy4581 - I am having a discogram on Thursday (and now am terrified about the pain). My issue is DDD where I have no disc at L4L5 and have discussed spinal fusion at that level. I was wondering if you had your surgery and if so, how are you feeling? Thanks so much!

Completely NOT looking forward to Thursday.

Scared and needing answers
 

I have had Chonic Back pain for about three years now. And it just seems to be getting worse. I have burning like feeling downboth flank, down back of both legs to my outer calfs and ankles. I have a sciatica nerve that tends to rotate between the right and left. The doctors tell me there is herniations in the L3-L4-L5-S1. They have done two MRI about a year apart and obvious that the buldges and herniations are getting worse. I did therapy and the physical therapist is actually the one who suggested to my doctor to get me into a Ortho. I have had an epidural which did absolutely nothing, a facet block which lasted about 2 weeks, and a Bilateral facet block that has given me a bit relief but the burning and pinching sensations are there again after almost a month. A week ago they did a mylegram, which I have to say was the most painful thing I can remember. The whole reason for this was because the Spine Specialist I saw here in Little rock told me that ultimately I had to have surgery. What he called a fusion and stated the L3-L4 and teh L5-S1. The Surgeon was the one to send me for the myelogram. Today I saw him for the results of the myelogram and now he wants a discogram. I don't know what to do anymore. I am tired of hurting and no answers. Before I could even finish asking the questions he got a phone call and walked out. After waiting for 30 more minutes (after the two hour wait to see him with an appoinment i might add) The nurse told me she would call me with the scheduled discogram date and information I would need. What do I do? another painful test and still no answers?
Can someone please help me here....advice please....

Discogram
 

does anybody still have pain caused by discogram?

spinal fusion
 

I had spinal fusion surgery last November. It is truly no big deal. I have had lots of pain following a variety of surgeries over the years and I can honestly say this spinal fusion was the easiest of all my surgeries. It can sometimes cause a domino effect in your spine however and it appears that I am now having pain that did not exist before the surgery. The first time my arm was just numb. My neck was in terrible shape so the surgery was a MUST. Now my neck hurts and he wants a discogram. I will not consent to it. It looks like the problem can be seen on my MRI and that should be enough. If anyone else thinks I should have the discogram let me know because right now the answer is a big fat NO.

Discogram
 

I have been told by surgeon that I need to have a discogram. I am worried about this even more after reading the posts. My surgeon cannot pinpoint why my pain is so bad and from the MRI and CT scans he can see the same things wrong he just is not sure which one is hurting me so much. I trust my surgeon as he operated on me 3 1/2 years ago for a pinched nerve. I am just worried about the drive home after the test, it will take us about 3 hours to get home and when I was given my last set of pain shots that did not work I was in so much pain I cried almost all the way home. Do most doctors offer an IV pain killer to help with this test. I asked my surgeon if I could be put to sleep for it but he said I was the only one who could say what was wrong. I have had back pain continuously since 2006 except for a couple months and then it got bad again. I guess I am just loking for some reassurance, I am tired of hurting but my pain level never decreases even with a pain patch and pills. Do those of you who have had this think there is something easier that will give answers.

Sedated discogram
 

This is my first post ad I have to say that I put off having a discrogram because of all the horid stories I read on the internet. I had mine done yesterday at Select Pain in the Tollway in Dallas. When I got they were all so sweet and on time. They called my name and then I changed into a gown and then they put an iv in with anitibiotlics and wheeled me off to the procedure room. The Doctor Rodrigue was his staff was unblevable supportive and caring. Dr put me asleep to place the needles. Then they woke me up and tested each disc one bu one It hurt for only for 5 seconds maybe. Then did noext dics and next disc and then that I all I remember I guess they put be back asleep to take out needles. I work up near the cat scan and then I went home less than two hours after I arrived there at Select Plan. If anyone is in the DFW area you should have the discorgram done there. A piece of cake and like I said they were the nicest and comfortting people I evev met. The nurse Aethestic rubs your should while she is giving you progel so you will sleep during needle placement and all the worker there are above excellent in caring and taking care of you. I would advise anyone to use Seelct Pain the on the tollway and I promise you you have only have 15 seconds of pain so do not worry. Just go there and see Dr Rodrigue and he is voted as a best doctor in d magazine and i can see whay he was.

About to have a second discography
 

This is an extremely late post but I felt I needed to reply...

I had a discogram YEARS ago, and I am bracing myself for another one.

This is a followup to an extremely painful myelogram I endured two days ago.

Unfortunately, Folks, we sometimes have to deal with even more pain before we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

:grouphug: <---- I know I could use one right now!!!


Sara
24 years Old

By design....yes.

Mine was the worst pain I'd ever had, but it was worth it to identify which disk was causing my back pain. The neurologist could not proceed with surgery without figuring out which disk to remove and therefore at which level to perform the fusion. Fortunately, the pain only lasted a day or so and then it was just a matter of alternating rest and moving around. You will be put on antibiotics first and be given good pain meds to deal with the aftermath. Best of luck to you, and remember, it's worth going through it.

I had discogram done before my surgery to find where to remove bad disc. They tested L3 L4 and L5. On pain it was not that bad.(done april 2010) Had epidural injection done on back no sedation that hurt much worse then discogram. Had epidural injection on back with sedation much better. It depends what meds they give you. During discogram they gave me twilight meds, still awake but relaxed feeling good.

Hope this helps

Worried
 

I am a workers comp case. I like the surgeon I am seeing. He told me I need a discogram before he can get a disc replacement/fusion. I have a high tolerance for pain but I am pretty worried. Seems like no matter what, all my choices involve pain.

I am scheduled to have a diskogram on april 26th. I am scared to death I had a hyde scan done on my gallbladder(I thought that was painful, i cried during the whole test) I am sceduled for lumbar disk surgery, they are doing the disogram to see if they are replacing 2 or 3 disks. I see that some of the entries talk about iv medication afterward, Is this for pain. They are sending me to have a ct scan after the diskogram.

Any answers are greatfully welcome.

I have had three discos. Not fun. Each time, the surgeon said the ins. company requested it before approving the surgery. The first two were done with mild IV sedation. I forget what it was right now. It most certainly hurt like crazy when he hit the "hot" disc but it somehow didn't matter so much. I was awake and do remember saying something uncomplimentary about his manhood. The third one was done with a local only. Perhaps he thought I would get mouthy again;). It was supposed to be a two level procedure.....the suspected bad disc and a control level. It turned out being a four level procedure as I ended up with three bad levels not one. I bounced all over the table and woke up the next morning with a spinal leak. That put me in the hospital for 36 hours as it took three seperate blood patches. I know that last experience is the exception, not the rule but I can assure you that I would never permit anyone to do another discogram w/o mild IV sedation. Best wishes.

Not as bad as you would think
 

I had a discogram before my back fusion, as the insurance company required it as proof that my disk was causing the pain. It was not fun, and it was probably worse than any of the usual spinal injections I had gone through, but mostly it was just because I was scared and did not know what to expect. The worst part was probably laying there with the 3 needles sticking out of my back and just knowing they were there, even though I couldn't see them (and probably just as well that i couldn't) but the only painful part was when they injected stuff into the disks. The ones that were not bad just felt this pressure sensation, and the one that was bad as soon as he injected into that I immediately felt my usual pain and kind of jerked and gasped at that, and then he stopped putting stuff into it. i just remember having to lie there with the needles in my back for a while, since they were doing fluoroscopy scans, etc. The most pain I felt the whole time was at the very end- they had this weird needle in my back that may have been the original guiding one, but it had these little balls every few cm all along it, and when they inserted it i would feel this popping sensation when those balls would go through whatever they went through. At the very end he gave me this massive pain shot in my butt, and then pulled that needle out in one yank and I felt this pop-pop-pop-pop and yelled from the pain, but it was over before I knew it. Afterwards I was not in any more pain than after a spinal injection. And they were very liberal with the pain meds and with the sedation throughout the test, so again, it was not pleasant, i would not want to do it again, but I was much more scared of having it then it really warranted. I have never had a myelogram, but I would imagine one of those would probably be worse. Anyone out there about to have one of these, don't let the pain stories scare you too bad, and just breathe and know you can get through it and it will be over with and then you are smooth sailing from there. And as far as the worst pain I ever felt- that was after my back fusion- no question. After that surgery I totally started doing those 1-10 pain scales differently- I had not had any idea what 10 was until after my fusion. Of course, i was on so much pain medicine before the surgery that there was really no way they could touch my pain, so do not take my story to mean all fusions are that bad.

before my first surgory at levels 5/6 6/7 i to was recommended and had the discogram prosedure as my docotor told me it would show any and EXACTLY what discs needed to be adressed to answer your ? it was painful the first 3 needles at the 3 levels weren't that bad 6/7 there were difficulties and after 4 tries were not successful inserting the needles were it needed to be but the prosedure does help the surgone pinpoint problematic areas...........good luck

Get the Discogram
 

I read a post here that said a discogram is a waste of time. If you are in pain and facing a possible spinal fusion, I cannot stress enough how important that test is.

Yes, X-rays, MRI's, CT Scans etc. are usaual tests performed in trying to diagnose the source of back pain. I had severe lower back pain that radiated down my leg. The MRI showed a ruptured L5S1 disc and I had a discogram whick showed pain was not coming from the other discs around it and then I had a discectomy to repair it and was free of pain after. 1 1/2 yrs later, the same pain was back and the MRI again showed, and the discogram verified it was the same disc that had reruptured. My surgeon told me before the first surgery, it could rupture again and if it did he would do a second repair to avoid a fusion but if it ruptured a a third time I would have to have a fusion. The second discectomy was again successful for 2 years and then one day I stood up to get out of a chair and fell to the floor in pain.

Again, X-rays and another MRI and it showed the reruptured L5S1 and that was all. My surgeon told me he would not do a fusion without a discogram and I am[SO GLAD that is his policy. Only the discogram was able to diagnose that the disc above the L5S1, the L1L2, was also causing my pain and so a double fusion was needed and performed on the bottom two discs.

Thank goodness he insists on Discograms beause if we had relied on the other tests I would have had a single fusion and come out of surgery still having lower back pain and needing a second fusion surgery. The additional cost of a second fusion surgery aside, I can't imaging going through two separate spinal fusions when a discogram could diagnosed all the sources of pain and having to go through another fusion surgery down the road.

I was on back boards for years when I went through all those surgeries and in the 7 yrs since, I still cannot believe the people I know who's doctors never ordered a discogram before their fusion. Their doctors, as many others, relied soley on MRI's, CT Scans and guess what.

When they went back after their fusion and recovery and still complained of pain their surgeons told many of them to give it a years for their surgery to fully heal and when that year went by and they were still in pain, they were told he did the fusion and they would have to learn to live with the pain, there was nothing else that could be done

I told my story on the board and three such people printed out my post and took it back to their doctors, all who agreed to do the discogram and all had an additional source of pain from another disc, all had a second surgery for a fusion on that disc, and all three were no longer in pain.

I still puzzles me to this day, how many surgeons don't order a discogram. My neighbor was in a lot of back pain earlier this year, was diagnosed as needed a fusion via the MRI CT, etc. and she was scheduled for that surgery. I asked her if she had a discogram, she said no. I told her my story and encouraged her to have him get a discogram. She did not do that, she had the fusion and 5 months later, she is still in pain. I say INSIST on a discogram before back surgeries.

While I am at it, I will throw in one more example of the great doctor I had. After that double fusion was I pain free for three months and one morning woke up and couldn't move I was in so much pain in my lower back. I didn't want to even tell my doctor because everyone had called me their star patient and a huge success. (the L5S1 was fused with donor bone, but the L1L2 was fused with BMI (bone morphogenic protein) something that had just started being used. One day my husband call my surgeon from work and told him about my pain and his office called my house immediately and told me to come in that day.

He never doubted my pain, he never said give it more time and we were all totally at a loss for what was causing my pain. He said the symptoms I described were symptoms of a nonfusion so he ordered an MRI and it showed I was fused on both levels. In fact, BMP fuses faster then a bone fusion. Did he tell me I was fully fused on both levels and there was nothing more that could be done, that I would have to learn to LIVE WITH THE PAIN. NO!!!
He said maybe the rods or screws that were put in were the cause and he scheduled me for surgery to take them out BUT he also had me sign for a refusion because he still thought was the only answer even though the films said otherwise.

You guessed it, the upper level, the one that had the BMP was not fused at all. He could wiggle the rods. He did a refusio and we all learned that you can have an MRI the day after a fusion surgery with BMP and it can show a full fusion which would be impossible. To this day, when he lectures residents and interns, he puts up several peoples MRI's and asks them to tell him which people are fused and which aren't and they all say mine is fused. It is a good lesson that many surgeons could benefit from.

It has been 7 years since and 7 years without back pain. As far as I am concerned, there may be other spine surgeons as good as mine, but none better. I can't count the number of people I have referred to him in that time who have come back to thank me and tell me what a great doctor he is. I hope the same for all of you.

While not a picnic, I would not say that a disco is a waste of time. It is pretty effective in pinpointing the exact level that is causing the problem. Personally, I won't agree to having another one unless the ins. co. demands it before giving approval for the surgery. I am at a point where I avoid any test or procedure that is painful, if I can. Best wishes.

Bocky,
Read your post. Until now, had never heard of a discogram. I had L4-5 fused, along with a laminectomy. Also, had BMP for fusion. November will be 7 years since spinal surgery. I have been in constant pain and take large dose of Oxycontin (60mg. every 6 hrs. and Percocet 7.5 breakthru pain up to 4 times a day). Have never known what it is like to be pain free.

Since I went to a teaching hospital ...Rush Medical Center, Chicago, IL, you would think the latest tests would have been used. My surgeon only used my xrays, ct scans, and MRI for surgery. Wish I had the info in your post then.

Gerry

Is a discogram painful? Not too bad!
 

I read these posts the day before my discogram and was terrified! I want to let people know that I had the procedure yesterday and it was not so bad. My doctor explained to me that for discs that were not damaged, I would feel pressure (like someone pressing on my back). He said for discs that were damaged, I would feel some pain, but nothing much worse than what I had already been experiencing. He was right. Yes, it hurt, but it was definitely nothing I could not handle. Please don't let these posts scare you away from a test that could benefit you in the long run!

OMG painful!
 

I have annular tears in L4-L5 and L5-S1 with leaking pulposes. I had a discogram to confirm the discs were torn and leaking and I'm sorry to tell you but it was the worst pain I'd ever felt in my life! I'm 45, btw. My mom was in the waiting room and she said she and the other patients could hear my crying and hollering all the way to the waiting room at the front of the building.

Now my NEW pain doctor tells me Discograms are barbaric. They are NOT necessary to check for torn discs. An MRI can easily see the torn, leaking discs. If I were you, I'd seek a second opinion, a doctor who agrees that this test is not just terribly horrifically painful, but also unnecessary.

I'm sorry, but this is my honest and truthful experience. It was pure torture.

Same pain you have already felt
 

You know how bad it hurts when your back "goes out"? Just had this done and 1st undamaged disk did not hurt. They numb you and give something to relax you but I was WIDE AWAKE. Then they got to 2nd disk. Started feeling pressure and pain in my buttocks. Nothing I haven't felt before. Then the 3rd disk it hurt bad but only for a brief period because he knew he had duplicated my pain. This is nothing you have not felt before so you will be fine. I scared myself to death reading posts on the internet and almost cancelled it. It is the best thing I ever did. Now my doc knows EXACTLY where the problem is and what I have been complaining about all along! Good luck! You can do it and you will be glad you did!!!

Yes, it IS definitely not worse than the pain you've already felt, that is true. But I guess MY situation, with 2 torn and leaking discs, and laying on that table in such a vulnerable position is what made it so bad for me. I did NOT have a kind gentle doctor at all---he's scared me and hurt me doing numerous epidural steroid injections, then facet joint injections. So the discogram was bad for me. It hurt terribly.

Everyone is different.

My NEW Neuro says the discogram is barbaric, it is unnecessary. All it does is confirm what the MRI already shows--that you have annular tears and perhaps leakage also.

Turns out my first dr. only want to do tests and injections to make money. I'd been seeing him for 8 years and he still didn't know me by nam! He turned out to be nothing more than a pill mill. I'm glad I have a new dr now, who has suggested a rhizotomy for me. My mom just had one and it helped her tremendously!

I've had 3 done.
FOR ME:
I was laying on a table face down. They put me out. Then the inserted needles into my back. They woke me up when they were done doing that. They asked me questions...."Can you feel this, can you feel that" etc.... They send something thru those needles. Not sure if it's electricity or they send a shock through it. It's not painful whatsoever. It's just an unpleasant vision of what they're doing. When the questions were done they put me out again and I woke up.

They have to determine where your pain is at. What nerve your pain is going through so the can help that specific area.

Hope that helps!
Heather

For a discogram, you HAVE to be awake. I am confused as to why they 'put you out' like this! Apparently, you were totally unprepared for what a discogram is--they DO NOT send electricity through those needles! They are injected a liquid into each disc, plus a control disc, to try to mimic your pain. If your discogram did not hurt, then you did not have tears (annular tears) in your discs and no leakage either.

This is truly baffling, why they would put you out, when you HAVE to be awake to let them know what you are feeling. You will either feel pressure (from a disc that is fine) or pain like hell (from a disc that is torn and/or leaking!)

Any WHY you've had THREE of them done is also truly baffling. Are you sure you are not getting this discogram confused with other procedure?!! It only takes one discogram to diagnose a problem, not three!! One is barbaric enough, but three?! I cannot help but think you are certainly getting this procedure mixed up with something else!!
:confused::confused::confused:

As an added note: A discogram is NOT done to determine which nerves are affected. It is only done to find out if one more of your discs is torn and/or leaking! It has nothing to do with nerves or nerve bundles!

No!
 

Just had my discogram, i wish i had not been reading forums because it psyched me out and scared me for no reason. It was not bad!!
It felt no different than the steroid injections I had. I did not do sedation for those either.
And the pain literally only lasts a few seconds until they get what they need.
It does depend on the doctor administering your test. Some can shove the dye in carelessly, others like mine are gentle.
My discogram was a breeze personally. Nothing like what i was expecting.
Slightly sore after.
Try not to be scared! :)

YES! I am a veteran of back pain and spine surgery. My discogram was brutal. You do have to be awake though they give you a litttle something to relax you when they prod inside your spine. No fun.

My Discogram Experience
 

Before I had my discogram, I made the mistake of reading several posts by others who have had discograms. I was curious about what to expect. Every post I read described the procedure as extremely painful and almost like torture. Needless to say, I was very nervous about having the test done, and almost cancelled it. But I knew it was necessary if my Dr was going to perform surgery on my back. My Pain Dr put my mind at ease by telling me it would be uncomfortable but not unbearable. He was right. I did feel a sharp pain in two of my discs that shot all the way down my leg. It hurt and I said so, but it only lasted a few seconds. He gave me something in my IV to help me relax and then gave me something else for pain. The entire procedure didn't seem to last too long. Maybe 15 or 20 minutes. Then they took me to radiology to have a CT scan. I decided to post this on the same sites I had read before I had the test done so that if someone was looking for a more positive experience, it would be there for them. Maybe the reason I didn't have a bad experience is because I had a really good and experienced Dr. Idk. But for me, it was not terrible and I'm glad I had it done in order to pinpoint the area that is causing my pain.