Discography

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Discography, also called a “discogram,” is an invasive diagnostic test that helps your doctor examine the intervertebral discs of your spine and find which ones are damaged. Intervertebral discs are sponge-like cushions between the vertebrae, or bones, of the spine. Regular X-rays give only a clear picture of bones, while discograms enable doctors to see the disc itself. The results of a discogram may confirm the need for surgery, as well as the exact source of pain, which will help with a positive outcome of a potential surgery.

To begin, you will be asked to lie on your stomach. Before the procedure, you will receive a sedative that will help you relax. But you will be awake to inform your doctor about your feelings during the procedure. Your back will be anesthetized with a local anesthetic. The doctor will use a fluoroscope to carefully guide the needle into the targeted disk. If more than one disc is being tested, a needle is placed into each one. Next, the doctor will inject a contrast dye into each disc, one at a time. The dye raises a pressure inside the discs and makes them visible on the fluoroscope monitor. When this happens, you may feel pressure or pain. If you feel pain, it may be a sign that the disc is diseased. The doctor will take photos of your discs with a fluoroscope, so that they can be studied further.

After this procedure, you may feel some minor pain for a few days. Your doctor will give you some tips on how to ease the pain.

There are some potential risks of infection, bleeding, allergic reaction, and prolonged pain, but your doctor will do everything to reduce those risks.

Discography could be cervical, thoracic and lumbar – the difference is in the part of your back. Lumbar discography is the most common procedure because lumbar discs are more susceptible to injury.