What is the main purpose of pressure measurements during discography?

The primary purpose of pressure measurements during discography is to assess patient symptoms. During a discography procedure, pressure is applied to the intervertebral disc, and the response is closely monitored. By analyzing how the patient reacts in terms of pain during this pressure application, clinicians can gain valuable insights into the integrity and health of the disc as well as its role in the patient's symptoms.

This method allows for a more precise correlation between the pain experienced during the procedure and specific discs, which can indicate disc dysfunction or abnormalities such as tears or degeneration. Ultimately, this information aids in establishing a better understanding of the source of the patient's pain, leading to more targeted and effective treatment plans.

While assessing surgical necessity, disc healing, and pain response are all important factors in the broader context of back pain management and treatment, the direct pressure measurements during discography serve primarily to correlate with the patient's symptomatic response.