Discogenic Pain
Learn more about common pain conditions, their development, and the pain mechanism.
Overview
The term discogenic pain refers to pain caused by problems with the intervertebral discs in the back. This condition is often associated with a herniated disc, where disc material presses on the spinal nerve, causing pain. These pains can typically occur in the arms or legs, corresponding to the distribution area of the affected nerve.
Cause and Symptoms
Discogenic pain, however, is specifically due to damage to the disc itself, often without a herniated disc. This pain primarily manifests as back pain but can also radiate into the legs. The intensity of leg pain is usually less compared to back pain and does not follow a specific nerve distribution. Discogenic pain is common, especially among younger individuals, can be episodically severe, and is often exacerbated by activities such as coughing, sneezing, or straining. MRI may show non-specific signs like a reduction in disc height or loss of water content, but these findings do not provide a definitive diagnosis.
Diagnosis
To determine if discogenic pain is present, a disc provocation test can be performed. This involves inserting a needle into the suspected painful disc under X-ray guidance and measuring the pressure within the disc. By injecting contrast medium and gradually increasing the pressure, it is checked whether this reproduces the known back pain. The results are evaluated based on the criteria of the International Pain & Spine Intervention Society (IPSIS©). It is important to note that provocation discography is a diagnostic test and not a treatment.
Treatment
Depending on the individual situation and the level of distress, surgical treatments as well as newer regenerative treatment strategies may be considered, in addition to general treatment measures. The latter include treatments with autologous blood preparations, for example.
Understanding the nature and cause of discogenic pain is essential for developing an effective treatment plan. By combining various diagnostic methods and treatment approaches, healthcare professionals aim to alleviate pain and improve the quality of life for those affected by this condition.
