The discogram procedure involves injection of fluid into the disc, causing the disc to expand and creating pressure which may reproduce the back pain. The CT scan is performed after the injection to look at tears on the surface of the disc. The combination of the viewing the expanded lumbar disc and the reproduction of the pain can be quite helpful in explaining the cause of lumbar pain. This procedure may also be performed on individuals who are considering surgical intervention, as the reproduction of the back pain may assist the surgeon in defining the patients surgical needs. These injuries are often ound to be a mechanical complex where the elements of the spine have been disrupted and require surgical stabilization or the removal of the portion of the disc herniation that is producing the low back pain.
Spinal pain can occur due to a trauma in the form of a spinal fracture.
Some tumors and neoplastic conditions can occur and lodge in the area of the lower back, causing pain. Infections in the area of the spinal column and spinal cord may also result in low back pain. When seeing your physician it is important to note whether there is prior history of cancer, recent occurrence of a fever, chills, unexplained weight loss, history of bacterial infection, intravenous drug use, or ingestion of steroids. A detailed history and exam performed by your physician will provide assistance in determining the cause of your back pain. Some of these techniques have not received widespread acceptance in the medical literature, as it is often difficult to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt what exactly is decreasing the low back pain and related symptoms.