Discogenic Pain

Discogenic pain is estimated to affect 39%+ patients with chronic lower back pain. When stress on intervertebral discs increases past the mechanical threshold, the sensory nervous system responds in the form of pain. This pain is often described as the gradual onset of aching pain possibly extending into the buttock, hip, and/or groin. Frequently characterized as being exacerbated through prolonged sitting and bending, discogenic pain is often difficult to distinguish from other spine pains in a clinical setting. 

Diagnosis:

As aforementioned, this is a difficult syndrome to determine upon physical examination, though may be determined per MRI and CT studies with demonstration of degenerative disc disease, though this diagnosis may be most successfully diagnosed through provocative discography. This may also be diagnosed through diagnostic interventional pain procedures.

Treatment Options:

Interventional pain procedures that may provide relief include Dorsal Root Blocks and Sacroiliac Joint Injections among other procedures. Typical therapy is conservative including NSAID, nutrition, and physical/massage therapy.

References and Further Information:

Non-Operative Management for Discogenic Back Pain: A Systematic Review

Watch: What Is a Degenerative Disc and the Degenerative Cascade?