About Discography
Key Highlights
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Pinpoints the exact source of discogenic back pain when other imaging is unclear.Provides critical diagnostic information to guide precise surgical planning, such as for spinal fusion.Helps differentiate between symptomatic and asymptomatic degenerated discs.Can prevent unnecessary surgery by confirming or ruling out a specific disc as the pain source.Performed as a minimally invasive outpatient procedure in most cases.
Who is this surgery for?
- Chronic, unremitting axial back pain (pain in the spine itself) lasting more than 3-4 months.
- Inconclusive findings on MRI, CT, or other imaging studies despite significant symptoms.
- Evaluation of disc integrity prior to considering spinal fusion surgery or artificial disc replacement.
- Assessment of recurrent pain following previous spinal surgery.
- Differentiation of pain from multiple degenerated discs seen on imaging.
How to prepare
- Complete a thorough medical evaluation, including review of allergies, especially to iodine or contrast dye.
- Discontinue blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel) as advised by the doctor, typically 5-7 days prior.
- Fast for 4-6 hours before the procedure, though clear fluids may be allowed.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, as sedation is often used.
- Inform the doctor of any active infections or if there is a possibility of pregnancy.
Risks & possible complications
- Discitis (infection of the disc space), a rare but serious complication.
- Bleeding, nerve injury, or accidental puncture of the dura (thecal sac).
- Allergic reaction to the contrast dye or local anesthetic.
- Increased back pain following the procedure, which usually subsides in a few days.
- Headache, nausea, or dizziness related to sedation or the procedure itself.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Rest for the first 24 hours; avoid strenuous activity, bending, or lifting.
- You may experience increased back pain or soreness at the injection site for 2-3 days; prescribed pain medication can help.
- Apply ice packs to the injection site to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Keep the injection site clean and dry; watch for signs of infection like redness, fever, or worsening pain.
- Follow up with your spine surgeon to discuss the results and next steps in your treatment plan.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient) or 1 day
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Expected recovery time: 1-3 days for routine activities, 1-2 weeks for full recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering discography in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for discography in India include Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Miot Hospital Chennai, Manipal Hospital Rangapani, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform discography. MediFyr helps you compare spine surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for discography compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 25 Thousand – 70 Thousand | 0 days (outpatient) or 1 day | ~ 1-3 days for routine activities, 1-2 weeks for full recovery | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 87.5 Thousand – 245 Thousand | 0 days (outpatient) or 1 day | ~ 1-3 days for routine activities, 1-2 weeks for full recovery | Know More |
Top hospitals for Discography in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated spine surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing discography.
Robert Chopra, a 58-year-old construction foreman,...
Robert Chopra, a 58-year-old construction foreman, had endured chronic lower back pain for over a decade. The pain, a deep, persistent ache, had worsened in the last two years, radiating down his left leg and severely limiting his ability to work and play with his grandchildren. Multiple MRIs showed degenerative disc disease at L4-L5 and L5-S1, but it was unclear which disc was the primary pain generator. His spine surgeon, Dr. Evans, recommended a discography to precisely identify the painful disc before considering a fusion surgery. Robert was anxious about the invasive nature of the test. During the procedure, he experienced significant, familiar pain when the contrast dye was injected into the L4-L5 disc, confirming it as the source. The L5-S1 disc provoked only mild pressure. The recovery was rough for 3-4 days, with a flare-up of his usual pain, but it gradually settled. Emotionally, he moved from fear and frustration to a sense of clarity and purpose. Knowing exactly which disc was the problem gave him confidence to proceed with the recommended fusion, feeling he was finally targeting the right source of his suffering.
Spine surgeons for Discography
Explore experienced spine surgeons who regularly perform discography and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 20 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 14 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 12 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 12 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 8 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Jaipur, Jaipur
- 7 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 5 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 12 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 12 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 25 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 15 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 17 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi
- 19 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon