Discography is a study that is used to answer two questions:
1. Which disc (or discs) is painful?
2. What is the specific anatomy of the disc?
As a diagnostic procedure, its usefulness is almost unmatched. It allows our doctors to correlate your pain to abnormal anatomy. No other diagnostic test does this reliably (even MRI). The accuracy of this claim is supported by several medical studies.
Therefore, in order to diagnose your pain and plan future therapy, your physician may request a discogram.
This X-ray shows needles in the lower three lumbar discs. Dye has been injected.
L3-4 disc space is normal. There was no pain at all with injection.
L4-5 disc space shows a collection of dye in the back of the disc. This disc was painful. This was unexpected, as the MRI was normal at this level.
L5-S1 disc space shows abnormal collections of dye throughout the disc. This was a painful disc.
Discographies are performed under fluoroscopy to assure precise needle placement. You will have an intravenous (I.V.) catheter placed so that medication can be given to you before and during the procedure. You will be awake during the procedure so that you can communicate with us regarding your pain. Generous local anesthetic is injected into the back muscles to make needle placement as comfortable as possible. When correct placement is assured, the discs are injected with a solution containing X-ray dye. Normal discs will not hurt, but abnormal discs may be painful.
After the test, a CAT scan is obtained of the discs. This gives our doctors the clearest possible view of the internal discs’ anatomy. It is much better than an MRI.
This is a CAT Scan of an abnormal disc. The X-ray dye (arrow) has spread out through a painful fissure in the disc.
Discography can also be done in the cervical spine to evaluate neck pain and in the thoracic spine to evaluate pain in the mid-back.
For more information on how we can help you, please visit our Services and Conditions sections, or to schedule a Consultation with one of our Board Certified Physicians, Make an Appointment today.
This X-ray shows needles in the lower three lumbar discs. Dye has been injected.
This is a CAT Scan of an abnormal disc. The X-ray dye (arrow) has spread out through a painful fissure in the disc.
