Spinal Discography



An accurate diagnosis is necessary to successfully relieve back pain.  Once the origin of back pain is accurately diagnosed, an appropriate treatment program can begin. Spinal discography or discogram is used to accurately diagnosis back pain caused by spinal disc diseases.

With a discogram, an experienced spine surgeon can distinguish between the pathological and the healthy discs, and determine whether or not the patient's back pain is caused by spinal disc diseases. The test is a simple and safe outpatient procedure that is done under x-ray guidance while the patient is sedated. During the test, a needle is inserted through the skin and muscle resting on the lowest two or three lumbar disc levels.

Fluoroscopy, a special X-ray TV, is used to ensure proper placement of the needles. A second needle is passed through the first one and into the center of the disc. This process is repeated at each level that is to be injected. The patient is asked if back pain is felt during the procedure to determine the source of the patient's back pain. At the same time, dye in the disc provides a visual image under X-ray, allowing the surgeon to determine if the patient has disc tears or disruptions. Specific disc problems can be determined with a CT scan that follows the test.