Discography

Discography helps uncover the true source of pain, guiding precise treatment so you can move toward clarity, relief, and healing.

Discography

Discography, also known as a “discogram,” is a diagnostic procedure used to assess the health of the intervertebral discs in your spine. These discs act as cushioning pads between the bones (vertebrae) of the spine. While standard X-rays mainly show bone structures, a discogram allows doctors to directly examine the discs themselves to determine if any are damaged. The information gathered can help pinpoint the source of back pain and assist in deciding whether surgery is needed, potentially improving surgical outcomes.

Procedure Overview

At the start of the procedure, you’ll be positioned on your stomach. You’ll receive a sedative to help you stay relaxed, but you’ll remain awake to provide feedback during the test. A local anesthetic will numb your back, and the doctor will use a fluoroscope (a type of real-time X-ray) to guide a needle into the targeted disc or discs. If multiple discs are being evaluated, each one will receive a needle.

Once the needles are in place, a contrast dye is injected into each disc individually. This dye increases pressure inside the discs and makes them more visible on the fluoroscope. You may feel pressure or pain during this part. If pain is triggered, it may indicate a problem with that disc. The doctor will take fluoroscopic images of the discs for further analysis.

X-ray guided discography used to identify the source of spinal pain

After the Procedure

Some mild discomfort may occur for a few days following the procedure. Your doctor will provide guidance on how to manage any pain.

Risks

As with any medical procedure, there are some potential risks, including infection, bleeding, allergic reactions to the dye, or lingering pain. However, your medical team will take all necessary precautions to minimize these risks.

Types of Discography

Discography can be performed in different regions of the spine:

Cervical (neck)
Thoracic (mid-back)
Lumbar (lower back)

Lumbar discography is the most commonly performed because injuries are more frequent in that area.

Conditions That May Require Discography

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

Herniated Disc

Facet Syndrome

Our Mission is to guide our patients along a path of optimal health by delivering the highest possible level of care in a friendly, safe, and comfortable environment.

Pain Clinic Locations

Gilbert Office

1466 West Elliot Rd
Gilbert, AZ 85233

Phone: 480-496-2699
Fax: 877-422-3184

Tempe Office

(Procedure Location)
2000 E Southern Ave
Suite 106/108
Tempe, AZ 85282

Casa Grande Office

(Satellite Office)
1637 E Monument Plaza Circle
Suite 1
Casa Grande, AZ 85122