Diagnostic Information

Diagnostic tests offered at Pain Consultants of Oregon include:

Myelograms: A myelogram is an x-ray in which the doctor injects a water soluble contrast medium into the space of the spinal canal. This liquid shows up on the x-ray film and outlines the space that holds the spinal cord making problems in this space visible.

Discogram: A discogram is a test in which contrast fluid is injected into a disc in your spine. This test helps to locate which disk is causing pain and aids in future pain management treatments.

Selective Nerve Root Blocks: Selective nerve root blocks are injections that numb the roots of specific nerves. While numbing specific nerve roots it is possible to locate the source of pain or rule out inflammation as a source of pain.

Facet Injections: Facet injections target inflamed joints directly with medication. Facet joints are the flat surfaces that touch where vertebrae fit together. Injections can help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain for weeks to months.

Diagnostic Sympathetic Blocks: A Sympathetic block is performed to determine if there is damage to the sympathetic nerve chain and if this is the source of pain. After a local anesthetic is given, a needle is inserted into the back and an anesthetic medication is injected into the area.

Diagnostic Peripheral Nerve Blocks: Peripheral blocks determine if there is damage to the peripheral nerves using an injection of anesthetic medication. Depending on the source and location of pain occipital nerve and other cranial nerve blocks are used in diagnosis.