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Discography

 

Overview

This diagnostic procedure, also called discogram, is used to determine whether back pain is caused by one or more spinal discs. The procedure involves pressurizing suspect discs with an injection of sterile liquid to induce pain. Discography helps the specialist plan a course of treatment.

In preparation for the procedure, the patient lies on the side or stomach on a table equipped with a type of x-ray unit called a fluoroscope. Medication is administered through an intravenous (IV) line to relax the patient. It is important for the patient to be awake enough to tell the physician what he or she is feeling. A local anesthetic is used to numb the skin and all the tissue down to the disc area.

A guide needle is inserted through the anesthetized track to the outer edge of the disc. The physician uses the fluoroscope to identify the target disc. A smaller needle is inserted through the guide needle into the center of the disc. This may be repeated for several discs.

Once all the needles are placed, the discs are pressurized one at a time with injections of contrast dye. With each injection, the patient may feel either pressure or pain. If the patient feels pain, the physician will ask the patient to compare it to the pain the patient has been experiencing. If the pain is the same, this may indicate a diseased disc. After each disc is tested, images are taken with the fluoroscopic unit.

The needles are removed. The patient may be taken for a CT scan to obtain additional images of the inside of the discs.

Discography usually takes less than an hour to perform. The procedure may cause soreness for a few days. The patient is usually advised to take acetaminophen or ibuprofen and to ice the affected area for several minutes each day until the soreness subsides.

CONTACT THE PAIN CENTER SAN DIEGO

Phone:

619-578-3740 (Service will terminate on 06/28/2024)

Fax:

208-342-4223

Email:

admin@thepaincentersandiego.com

Address:

NONE - PERMANENTLY CLOSED EFFECTIVE 03/21/2024

Hours:

NONE - PERMANENTLY CLOSED EFFECTIVE 03/21/2024

Forms:

AUTHORIZATION TO DISCLOSE PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION

NOTICE OF PERMANENT CLOSURE

Dear Valued Patients and Healthcare Professionals,

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the permanent closure of The Pain Center – San Diego, effective March 21, 2024. We understand the importance of continuity of care and are committed to assisting you during this transition period.

For patients currently under our care for pain management, we urge you to contact your primary care physician promptly to request a referral to another pain management specialist. Your health and well-being remain our top priority, and we want to ensure you continue to receive the necessary care and support.

For medication management patients, please note that we have sent 60 days’ worth of medication to your designated pharmacy. It is imperative that you establish care with another healthcare provider before your medication runs out to avoid any interruptions in your treatment plan.

To obtain your medical records, please follow the instructions below:

Request a "Release of Information" Form: You can email us at admin@thepaincentersandiego.com to request a "Release of Information" form or you can also find one on our website by following this link AUTHORIZATION TO DISCLOSE PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION

Via Request of Another Medical Office: If you wish for your medical records to be transferred to another provider's office, you may sign a written authorization with their office requesting your records be sent to them.

Upon completion of the "Release of Information" form or receipt of written authorization from another medical office, we will send your medical records to the designated receiving party as specified. Please note the following:

  • Records directly to the patient will be provided within 15 days of receiving the request.
  • Other requests may take longer to process (such as to another medical office)
  • Please specify the transmission method for your records: USPS mail (default), email (preferred), or facsimile.
  • Ensure that the form is accurately completed and signed to prevent any delays in processing your request.

Additionally, please be aware of the following:

  • Records will not be compiled until we receive an accurate, completed, and signed written request.
  • Patients are entitled to one free copy of their medical records for personal use.
  • Additional copies will incur copying fees as per California Health & Safety Code Section 123110.
  • Medical records will be retained in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by this closure and extend our gratitude for your trust and loyalty over the years. If you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at admin@thepaincentersandiego.com.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this transition period.

Warm regards,


Sandra Thompson, MD

The Pain Center – San Diego