What Is Discography?
Discography is a diagnostic procedure that places contrast material into one or more spinal discs while imaging records the disc and the patient’s pain response. A specialist may use it to assess whether a damaged disc contributes to ongoing back or neck pain. Discography is usually considered with other exam and imaging findings.
Quick Facts About Discography
Category
Diagnostic spinal procedure
Used for
Assessing disc-related pain
Common confusion
Not a routine MRI
Typical tool
Fluoroscopy with contrast material
Also called
Discogram
Often discussed with
Imaging Referrals
Key Takeaways About Discography
- Discography combines disc injection with imaging.
- A pain response helps assess a disc’s role.
- Discography is not the same as a routine MRI.
How Discography Works
Discography places contrast material into a spinal disc while fluoroscopy shows the disc’s shape and condition. The patient describes any pressure or pain during the injection. The clinician records whether the response matches the usual pain.
Related glossary terms: Fluoroscopy, Disc Degeneration, Chronic Pain.
A discogram may examine more than one disc for comparison. Results are reviewed with the physical exam and other imaging, such as an MRI. A painful response alone does not prove that a disc caused the symptoms. The full clinical picture guides interpretation.
From the Premier Injury Specialists team
When we review a referral for discography, we compare the reported symptoms with the examination and available imaging. Our team checks that the referral explains the clinical question and identifies the spinal area being assessed. We document the findings so the treating clinician can interpret them in context.
Discography in Practice: A Real-World Example
A patient has ongoing low back pain, but other tests have not clearly identified the painful disc. During an imaging referral, the clinician may consider discography to compare the patient’s pain response with the disc images.
Related Services
Related Terms
Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy is an imaging method that uses continuous X-ray images to show movement inside the body…
Disc Degeneration
Disc Degeneration is a gradual change in the soft discs between the spine’s bones. These discs…
Chronic Pain
Chronic Pain is pain that continues or returns over an extended period, often after an injury…
Informed Consent
Informed Consent is a documented agreement to a medical service after the patient receives clear information…
Premier Injury Specialists
Have Questions About Discography?
Contact Premier Injury Specialists for practical guidance on Discography and related pain management physician work in Forest Park.