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The pain of discography
J Weinstein1, W Claverie, S Gibson
1Spine Diagnostic and Treatment Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City.
Spine
|December 1, 1988
Summary
This study investigated neurochemical changes in canine lumbar discs after discography. Findings suggest pain from abnormal discograms may relate to disc chemistry and nerve sensitization.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Research
- Spinal Diagnostics
Background:
- Lumbar discography is a diagnostic tool with unresolved questions regarding pain variability.
- The role of neurochemicals in disc pain following diagnostic procedures is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in Substance P (SP) and Vasoactive-Intestinal Peptide (VIP) in the dorsal root ganglion after discography in canine lumbar intervertebral discs.
- To explore the relationship between discography, neurochemical changes, and pain perception in normal versus abnormal discs.
Main Methods:
- Discography was performed on normal and abnormal canine lumbar intervertebral discs.
- Substance P (SP) and Vasoactive-Intestinal Peptide (VIP) levels in the dorsal root ganglion were analyzed post-procedure.
Main Results:
- Discography indirectly affected dorsal root ganglion SP and VIP levels in canine lumbar discs.
- Neurochemical alterations suggest a link between the intervertebral disc's chemical environment and dorsal root ganglion modulation.
Conclusions:
- Pain associated with abnormal discograms may be influenced by the disc's chemical milieu and sensitized annular nociceptors.
- Dorsal root ganglion neurochemicals (SP and VIP) appear to play a role in modulating pain responses to disc manipulation.