What are some reasons for experiencing increased pain after a discogram?

Patients commonly experience a moderate or mild increase in pain near the back region after a discogram procedure as the nerves in the body heal, explains Interventional Spine and Pain. The increased pain lasts for approximately one or two days and then returns to a baseline level.

Complications during the procedure can also cause an increase in pain after a discogram, according to Mayfield Brain and Spine. Less than 1/10th of 1 percent of patients are at risk of a disc space infection developing, which can cause pain. Patients are also at risk for nerve root damage that can increase pain levels because the needle during the procedure passes close to the nerve root.