When the discs are damaged due to trauma or wear and tear, they can become painful. They can also leak, bulge, or herniate, which can lead to irritated or pinched spinal nerve roots. This can cause nerve pain in other areas. There are four types of disc procedures:
To help diagnose what’s wrong, the specialist will start with a MRI. This test helps to see if the disc is bulging, herniated, or has a tear. Oftentimes, a discogram will also be performed. During this procedure, dye is injected inside the disc under x-ray guidance. You will be asked if the injection provokes your usual pain. It is very important that you tell the doctor: • If the disc is uncomfortable but not your everyday pain, or… • Reproduces your exact everyday pain. Sometimes a CAT scan is performed after the procedure to determine if the disc is torn.
A mild sedative may be used to make you more comfortable. However, for a discogram, it’s important that you can tell the doctor about your pain during the procedure. The most important part of a discogram is telling the doctor if your usual pain is reproduced by the procedure…
You may be sore from a discogram. This can last several days. IDETC and percutaneous nucleoplasty usually require you to wear a brace for a few weeks. Ask your doctor for more details.
Yes, most insurance plans have coverage for disc procedures. If you have an HMO plan, you may need to get additional authorization from your family doctor.
The Centeno Schultz Clinic
403 Summit Blvd Suite 201
Broomfield, CO 80021
(303) 429-6448
info@centenoschultz.com
I’m back to my conditioning classes, doing squats, lunges, jumping rope and even a little bit of jogging. My knee feels, looks and works better every day. I’m definitely looking forward to the winter and getting back on my snowboard as soon as I can.
— Pixie Greenmeier
“We did the right knee in March 2007. I was off my feet for about an hour after each of the treatments, but that was it. No long recovery time, no time off from work – it was great. The cartilage began to grow back, and the knee was feeling much better, so we did the left knee in October. Since about two weeks later, I haven’t had any pain at all in either knee for the first time in 10 years. It’s fantastic.”
— Kenvir Dixon
