Discography

Discography, also known as a discogram, is a diagnostic procedure used to identify whether one or more intervertebral discs are the source of a patient’s back pain. It is particularly helpful when imaging studies like MRI or CT scans show abnormalities in the discs, but it’s unclear whether those abnormalities are responsible for the symptoms.

This procedure is not a treatment but rather a diagnostic tool that helps your physician better understand the source of pain and determine the most appropriate course of treatment, which may include targeted injections, physical therapy, or minimally invasive surgery.

Discography is commonly performed prior to spinal fusion surgery or other procedures to confirm the exact disc that is causing the problem.

Who Is a Candidate for Discography?

Discography is typically recommended for patients who:

• Have chronic, unrelenting back pain that has not responded to conservative treatments 
• Show signs of disc degeneration or abnormalities on imaging
• Have had unsuccessful back surgeries and require further evaluation
• May be candidates for spinal fusion or disc replacement but need further confirmation

The procedure helps differentiate between discs that look abnormal on MRI but aren’t painful and those that are actual pain generators.

What Happens During a Discogram?

During discography, the patient is positioned comfortably and given local anesthesia along with mild sedation to help them relax. Using fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, the physician inserts a thin needle into the center of one or more discs suspected to be the source of pain. Once the needle is in place, a contrast dye is injected into the disc.

The goal is to reproduce the patient’s usual pain. If the injection causes familiar symptoms, it suggests that the disc is the likely source of the pain. Images are also taken to evaluate the internal structure of the disc and check for cracks, fissures, or other damage.

What to Expect After the Procedure

Following a discogram, patients are monitored briefly and can return home the same day. Some soreness at the injection site is common, and patients may experience a temporary increase in their typical back pain for a day or two.

A follow-up appointment is scheduled to review the results and discuss next steps based on the findings.

How Discography Fits into Your Pain Treatment Plan

Discography plays an important role in developing a precise and effective treatment strategy. By identifying the exact disc or discs causing pain, your physician can tailor a plan that may include:

• Targeted epidural steroid injections 
• Physical therapy or exercise rehabilitation
• Minimally invasive disc procedures
• Surgical interventions such as disc replacement or spinal fusion

To learn more about disc-related back pain, visit our Conditions Treated section.

Why Choose Ascent Pain for Discography?

At Ascent Pain, our team of board-certified specialists uses the latest technology and imaging guidance to perform discography with precision and care. We understand how important it is to get an accurate diagnosis before pursuing treatment options, especially when surgery may be considered.

Call Ascent Pain at (504) 249-7576 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation and begin a clearer path to relief.