A diagnostic diskography is a type of X-ray test to help find the cause of serious back or neck pain. During the test, a health care provider will inject a special dye into the spaces between the disks of the spine in the lower back. This dye can then be seen on an X-ray. The dye can highlight the disks in the spine where the pain is coming from.
The spine, or backbone, is made up of bones called vertebrae. They support the body and protect the spinal cord. Between each vertebra is a disk. The disks are oval in shape. Inside each disk is a thick liquid that functions as a spongy cushion. The disks keep the bones from rubbing against each other when you move. Sometimes, there are problems with the disks. For example:
• A…show more content… • You may get medicines to prevent pain or nausea.
• An IV tube will be inserted into one of your veins. You will be given one or more of the following:
○ A medicine to help you relax (sedative).
○ A medicine to numb the area (local anesthetic). It will be given over the disks that will be tested.
• Small monitors will be put on your body. They are used to check your heart, blood pressure, and oxygen level.
• You will lie on your side on the exam table.
• With the use of X-ray guidance, a long hollow needle will be put through the skin and muscle until it reaches the disk.
• A type of X-ray (fluoroscopy) will be taken. This checks the position of the needle.
• A second needle will be put through the hollow needle. It will go into the center of the disk that is being tested.
• A fluid that shows up on an X-ray (contrast) will be injected into the disk.
• Then, the pressure inside each disk can be measured.
• You will be asked if you feel pain, and if so, where it is located. You may be asked to compare the pain to the back, neck, leg, or arm pain you have had.
• A CT scan will be done. This shows if any contrast fluid is leaking from the
