According to research, 40% of cases of severe spinal pain are related to problems with one or more discs. In most cases, if a patient has chronic neck or low back pain but has not been diagnosed with a herniated disc, the patient may have discogenic pain.
Discogenic pain is primarily related to disc degeneration, a disease that causes the discs to slowly deteriorate.
In this article, our pain management physicians will further discuss the causes, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment of discogenic pain.
Causes of Discogenic Pain
Discogenic pain occurs when nerve receptors outside the annulus fibrosus are stimulated. Inflammation or a variety of conditions in the spinal discs often cause nerve receptors to become irritated, resulting in neck or lower back pain.
Internal disc destruction (IDD) is a discogenic disease that occurs when a tear or crack occurs in the disc, allowing the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus to meet. As a result, chemicals called proteoglycans may be released, causing inflammation and pain.
Genetics may also play a role in discogenic pain. Some genetic impulses may alter the chemical structure of the disc and may stimulate metabolic changes in the body. Therefore, the disc may become damaged faster than normal.
In addition to disc conditions and genetics, discogenic pain may also be caused by mechanical and nutritional factors.
Symptoms of discogenic pain
Discogenic pain is often associated with activities that may increase pressure on the disc, making the pain worse. Activities that may increase pain include:
- Bending forward, sitting, sneezing, coughing (may be relieved by lying down).
- Pain in the back of your thigh or buttocks, especially when you sit down
- Neck pain when you try to tilt your head
- Neck or arm muscle spasms when you perform upper or lower body movements
risk factors
Most people affected by discogenic pain are middle-aged and older adults. Younger generations don’t experience this condition as often because they have enough fluid in their discs.
Diagnosis of discogenic pain
The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MIR) is one method of diagnosing discogenic pain. A disc map can also be used to confirm the source of pain. During the surgery, contrast dye is injected into the suspected disc to make it visible under a fluoroscope. This allows the doctor to see the exact size of the disc. However, because the injected dye adds more pressure to the disc, it may cause more pain in the area.
A non-invasive diagnostic method called the McKenzie method may also be used for diagnosis. The procedure involves manual inspection to help reduce pain and increase range of motion. This method is also used as a therapeutic method.
Discogenic pain treatment
In some cases, discogenic pain may resolve on its own, or the pain may persist. Conservative treatment is usually the first choice for pain control. Patients can use anti-inflammatory medications, ice or heat therapy, and physical therapy. Physical therapy sessions may center on back exercises or spinal traction. Certain types of injection therapy may also help reduce pain. These include:
- epidural injection
- Facet injection
Intradiscal therapy, also known as intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET), is a minimally invasive technique. This surgery helps heat the disc area, causing the nerve endings to die. Once the nerve endings die, the patient no longer feels pain. In June 2010, a small study of intradiscal therapy was conducted.
If you experience discogenic pain for more than three months, be sure to see your doctor or go to a pain management clinic. They will guide you through all the treatment options available to control your pain.
About our pain doctors Florida Pain Care Specialists
Dr. Luis Escobar is a leading provider of interventional pain treatments. Dr. Escobar is board certified by the American Board of Anesthesia and the American Board of Pain Management and has been an expert in his field for over 15 years. Dr. Escobar works with his patients to treat the root cause of their pain so that you can get back to the things you love in life.
Are you feeling pain? We can help! Contact us today for a consultation and take the step toward a pain-free life.
The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute the provision of medical advice and does not substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
