What Is Discogenic Pain? Explore Diagnosis and Treatment Options

What is discogenic pain? This type of pain can affect many areas of your life, and finding answers is important to get the care and treatment you deserve.

Author: J. Flowers Health Staff

What Is Discogenic Pain?

Are you experiencing chronic pain in your back, neck, or in other areas of the body that cannot be explained by an injury? If so, you may be experiencing discogenic pain. You may be wondering “what is discogenic pain?”

Discogenic pain is a type of back pain caused by the discs between the vertebrae becoming weak. This type of pain happens when discs are unable to cushion the spine.

While this condition can be painful and uncomfortable, there are treatments available to help. J. Flowers Health Institute is a leading practice in the diagnosis and treatment of discogenic pain.

What Is Discogenic Pain Diagnosis?

Discogenic pain refers to pain that originates in the spinal discs. These discs are situated between the vertebrae and act as shock absorbers for the spine.

If a disc is damaged or degenerates over time, it can cause pain that radiates through the back, neck, and limbs. The discomfort from discogenic pain can be debilitating and may affect a person’s quality of life.¹

A discogenic pain diagnosis is the first step towards a pain-free life. The J. Flowers Health Institute can identify the cause of your back pain and explore available treatment options with you.

What is Discogenic Pain's Affect?

This type of pain normally starts at the lower back and later extends to other regions of the body. The symptoms of discogenic pain vary depending on the individual.

Some common symptoms of this condition can include:²

Sharp pain in the lower back
Difficulty doing simple activities such as standing up, bending, walking, or sitting
Numbness in the legs
Muscle spasms
Shooting pains that travel down the legs
Dull or chronic aching pain

What Is Discogenic Pain Like Compared to Other Types of Back Pain?

Discogenic pain is a unique type of back pain that is caused by damage or degeneration of the spinal discs. This is unique to other types of back pain, such as muscle strains or pinched nerves.

Discogenic pain is often felt in a specific location along the spine and can be accompanied by shooting, burning sensations. This type of pain can be aggravated by movement and can limit a person’s ability to perform everyday activities.

Understanding the difference between discogenic pain and other types of back pain is important to ensure proper treatment and management of symptoms.

What is Discogenic Pain Like?

Discogenic pain is a specific type of back pain that is caused by a problem in one or more intervertebral discs in the spine. Discogenic pain stems from damage to the shock-absorbing discs that sit between each vertebrae in the spine.

This type of pain is often characterized by a deep, throbbing discomfort that can radiate through the back and into the legs or arms. Symptoms can spread from the back to other parts of the body.

What Is Discogenic Pain Testing?

To accurately diagnose discogenic pain, there are a number of tests that your doctor may perform. Understanding what tests can be used to diagnose discogenic pain is the first step in getting the right treatment plan in place.

Diagnostic tests can include X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and discography. These will be detailed below.

X-rays

X-rays provide a clear picture of the bones in the spine. This is often necessary to detect abnormalities in the diagnosis of discogenic pain.

CT scans

CT scans can show how much the discs in your spine are worn out and if they have any cracks or tears that might hurt when a special liquid is put into them during a test called discography .

MRI Imaging

An MRI reveals the soft tissue surrounding the spine and can be a useful tool in spotting the type of damage seen in discogenic pain.

Discography

Discography is a more invasive test that involves injecting dye into a disc in the spine. This highlights the types of issues our doctors would look for in a discogenic pain diagnosis.

How Accurate Are These Tests?

While these tests are highly sensitive, they may not always be accurate indicators of discogenic pain. Discogenic pain symptoms can be similar to symptoms of other spinal conditions.

At J. Flowers Health Institute, our doctors use the following methods to ensure an accurate diagnosis:

A comprehensive evaluation of a patient’s medical history
A physical examination
Checking thoroughly for any co-occurring disorders

What Is Discogenic Pain Treatment?

Our medical team offers comprehensive discogenic pain treatment. If you or a loved one are experiencing discogenic pain, there are a number of options available to help.³

J. Flowers Health Institute offers a variety of services to help those suffering from discogenic pain. These include the following treatment options.

Physical Therapy

Our patients often find relief through physical therapy. When used as treatment for discogenic pain, the focus of physical therapy is as follows:

To improve the strength and flexibility of the muscles surrounding the spinal column
To improve posture
To improve body mechanics
To alleviate pressure on discs
To prevent future disc damage
To reduce inflammation and pain

It’s important to note that each patient’s pain experience is unique, so a customized physical therapy plan is necessary for success.

By working with a knowledgeable physical therapist, our patients often find significant relief.

What is Discogenic Pain Medication Treatment?

Medication can be a useful tool in managing this challenging condition.

Some of the commonly used medications for discogenic pain include the following:

Ibuprofen: This anti-inflammatory drug is available without a prescription. It helps to reduce painful pressure on damaged discs.
Naproxen: This drug is commonly known as Aleve. It can reduce inflammation around affected discs, easing pain and stiffness.
Muscle relaxants: These can be useful to relieve muscle tension and spasms that can exacerbate discogenic pain.
Opioids: In some cases, stronger pain medications such as opioids may be prescribed. These should be used with caution, as there are risks of developing a substance addiction.

Stretching

Stretching can help increase flexibility and strengthen the muscles around the affected area. This can alleviate pressure on the discs and reduce pain.

Stretching can also promote improved blood flow, which helps to bring important nutrients to affected areas. This can aid in the healing process.

When done under the supervision of a healthcare professional and as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, stretching can be a helpful tool in managing discogenic pain and moving towards recovery.

Injections

Epidural injections have shown promise in reducing inflammation and providing relief for many patients. These injections deliver medication directly to an affected area, ensuring faster absorption.

When it comes to discogenic pain, the root cause has to be treated along with the symptoms. While injections won’t be able to cure the pain, they can be a valuable tool in managing pain levels and getting you back to the life you love.

Surgery

Sometimes, other options may not be enough for treatment. Surgery is more invasive, but it can be a helpful resort in more serious cases of discogenic pain.

There are several types of surgeries available for discogenic pain, including:

Discectomy
Laminectomy
Spinal fusion

Surgery can result in a substantial reduction in pain and a return to normal activities.

What is Discogenic Pain Surgery and When Is It an Option?

Surgery can be considered in more severe cases of discogenic pain, but doctors typically try to rely on less invasive methods unless absolutely necessary.

The best approach to healing from discogenic pain is to work with specialists who can determine the underlying cause of your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatments for your specific case.⁴

In the case of surgery, our institute can provide guidance to ensure a successful recovery outcome. While surgery can be a daunting prospect for those suffering from discogenic pain, it can potentially offer the best chance for a full recovery and a life without chronic discomfort.

Discogenic Pain Treatment Complications

With the right treatment plan, discogenic pain can be effectively managed, allowing patients to regain their mobility and quality of life. However, this doesn’t mean that there may not be complications with treatment options.

While most patients respond well to non-invasive methods such as physical therapy and medication, some may require more invasive procedures like steroid injections or surgery.

Potential Complications

These can be effective treatment options, but there is a risk of complications that include the following:

Infection
Nerve damage
Worsening of symptoms

Meet With Your Treatment Provider to Discuss Discogenic Pain Treatment

It’s important to discuss the risks and benefits of any procedure with your healthcare provider. This is to ensure that you make an informed decision about your treatment plan.

At J. Flowers Health Institute, we have a team of experts who can guide you through the best treatment options for your condition.

You can take charge of your health by learning about the benefits and risks of different treatments and collaborating with your healthcare provider to find the most suitable ones for you.

What Is Discogenic Pain Like During Recovery?

The recovery timeline from this condition can vary widely. Some treatment options, such as medication or stretching, won’t require any long-lasting recovery timelines.

Surgery or injections may increase the recovery process to several weeks or months long.

What is Discogenic Pain’s Recovery Timeline Dependent Upon?

A timeline for recovery depends on the following factors:

Severity of pain
An individual’s healing response
The type of treatment used

The Recovery Process

What is discogenic pain recovery like? Depending on your symptoms or any other co-occurring disorders you may have, some treatment options will work better for you than others.

Conservative non-surgical treatments such as physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment, and stretching can help to reduce pain and inflammation.

If you undergo surgery, make sure to rest and follow the instructions your doctor provides for recovery.

What Is Discogenic Pain and How Can Patients Be Involved in Their Own Recovery?

While medical professionals play a critical role in treating discogenic pain, patients can take an active role in their own recovery. Involving patients in their care can increase their knowledge of the condition, its causes, and treatment options.

What is Discogenic Pain Active Participation in Recovery?

Patients can participate in and keep up with their treatments to actively participate in recovery. Doctors may recommend treatments that involve physical therapy, exercise, and pain medications. These all can help alleviate pain and improve mobility.⁵

It’s also important for patients to communicate with their doctors and ask questions, especially about any concerns or side effects they may experience. By being proactive in their recovery, patients can work towards better health and a pain-free life.

Am I Alone in Asking "What is Discogenic Pain?"

Many people have questions and concerns about discogenic pain, so you are not alone in seeking more information about this condition.

Discogenic pain is common and affects many people. While statistics vary, it is estimated that around five million people in the United States struggle with discogenic pain.

At the J. Flowers Health Institute, finding answers to discogenic pain is something we are passionate about. Please reach out to discover how we can help you.

What Is Discogenic Pain and How Can the J. Flowers Health Institute Help?

To address discogenic pain, it is essential to have a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. We may recommend physical therapy, medication, spinal injections, or even surgery in serious cases.

At J. Flowers Health Institute, we work with you to find the best treatment options for discogenic pain.

What is Discogenic Pain Treatment Like with J. Flowers Health Institute?

J. Flowers Health Institute specializes in providing comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and programs for difficult-to-pinpoint issues such as discogenic pain.

Our team of board-certified experts is committed to saving lives and improving wellness by delivering clarity, direction, and results through holistic treatments.

Treatment Opportunities

We can provide personalized and knowledgeable care for everyone that walks through our doors.

J. Flowers Health Institute offers a variety of services to help those suffering from discogenic pain, including:

Physical therapy
Massage therapy
Chiropractic care
Acupuncture
Nutrition counseling

What is discogenic pain treatment that will ensure a successful recovery? Our institute has the answers and can help you reach your goals in discogenic pain recovery.

What is Discogenic Pain and How Can the J. Flowers Institute Provide Answers?

Are you or a loved one wondering “what is discogenic pain?” At J. Flowers Health Institute, we pride ourselves in providing top notch care, from diagnosis to treatment.

With cutting-edge technology and experienced staff, we can help you find the relief you need. Reach out today to learn more.