Through this guide needle a much smaller disc needle is advanced towards and eventually into the center of the disc. This process should not be painful, but sometimes may be. The procedure usually takes less than an hour to perform. You'll have soreness from the needle punctures that lasts several days. You may use acetaminophen, ibuprofen or apply an ice pack for a few minutes to ease the soreness.
Some physicians prescribe short term narcotic pain medications for use after the procedure.
This is the most important part of the study and you must concentrate on what you are feeling. After each level is pressurized, pictures are taken with the fluoroscopic unit and the needles are removed. Usually, a post-discogram CT is obtained to document the internal architecture of the disc. The procedure usually takes less than an hour to perform. You'll have soreness from the needle punctures that lasts several days.