Center for Pain Management

Discography

Discography is usually performed in a procedure room that has equipment for X-ray imaging of the discs as the test is performed. You will be asked to lay on one side and may be rolled slightly forward on a table. Pillows can be used to help you achieve the desired position.

Typically, the lowest two or three lumbar disc levels are injected. The doctor may inject an anesthetic into the skin to reduce the pain of the needles passing through tissue.  A needle is inserted through the skin and muscle before coming to rest on the outer layer of the disc. During the process of placing the needles, imaging studies called fluoroscopy (similar to X-ray) are used to help the doctor  see where the needles are located along the path to the disc. A second needle is then passed through the first one and into the central portion of the disc. This process is repeated at each necessary level of the spine.  Contrast (a liquid that shows up on X-ray), is injected into the center of each disc. If the disc is normal, the contrast remains in the center of the disc. If the disc is abnormal, the contrast spreads through the tears in the disc and becomes apparent to the doctor.

As each disc is injected, you may be asked to rate the intensity of the pain that the injection causes, if any. You may also be asked if the pain is similar to your usual symptoms in terms of location and the type of pain you are experiencing. This procedure is repeated for each disc that is injected.