Discography

What is discography?

Discography is an imaging test used to diagnose back pain. While the procedure is taking place, your doctor notes the presence or absence of pain that helps confirm which disc is producing pain. The X-ray image taken is called a “discogram” and can be normal or may reveal tears (fissures) in the lining of your disc. Discography is to confirm which specific disc is generating pain and it also helps your doctor to plan treatment for your pain.

What is the procedure for discography injection?

• Discography is an X-ray guided technique performed as outpatient
• Your physician will numb with local anesthetic such as lidocaine, then use a small needle to transfer radio-opaque dye into the center of the discs.
• An X-ray will be taken to see the disc anatomy and confirm whether dye is leaking out of disc or not.
• The gentle pressure is actively checked within every disc during or after dye injection.
• Your response during dye injection will help doctor to find typical pain symptoms, different pain symptoms or no pain at all.
• Mostly a CT scan is taken soon after the discogram to observe more closely at the process of dye spread through the disc.
• CT is very effective to diagnose a tear or disruption in the layer outside of a disc.

Do I need discography?

You may need discography if many conservative tests to diagnose the real source of pain have failed.  Continued neck or back pain may be due to damaged discs and this procedure can help diagnose.