What is a Discography?

To determine the disc’s contribution to pain, our physicians may perform a discography.​ During a discography procedure, a needle is inserted into the center of the intervertebral disc from the back. ​A special dye is then injected into the disc, making the disc clearly visible on x-ray film, called a discogram.

Pressure created by the injection is used to determine if the tested disc is truly contributing to the pain.​ Our pain doctors will view the entire procedure on a fluoroscopic screen and assess the internal structure of the discs.​ Upon completion of the discogram, our physicians will be able to recommend a course of treatment.