Discography (Lumbar)

Lumbar Discography is a diagnostic procedure used to identify whether a specific spinal disc is the source of your back pain. By injecting contrast dye into one or more discs under image guidance, your provider can determine which discs reproduce your pain symptoms and which do not. This information helps guide treatment decisions—such as whether surgical or interventional options may be appropriate—ensuring your care is tailored to the true source of your pain.

Quick Facts

  • Setting: Outpatient, image-guided
  • Time: ~30–60 minutes
  • Anesthesia: Local with optional light sedation
  • Recovery: Same-day discharge; mild soreness for several days
  • Purpose: Diagnostic—helps identify the disc(s) generating pain

Who it helps

  • Chronic low back pain that has not improved with conservative care
  • Unclear diagnosis after MRI or CT scan
  • Suspected disc-related pain (discogenic pain)
  • Evaluation before spinal fusion or other surgical interventions

How it works

Discs act as cushions between the bones of your spine. When a disc becomes damaged or degenerative, it may cause pain that’s difficult to localize through imaging alone. During a discography, your provider uses fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance to insert a thin needle into the center of one or more lumbar discs. A small amount of contrast dye is injected to pressurize the disc. You’ll be asked to describe your sensations during the injection—whether it reproduces your typical pain. If so, that disc is likely the source of your symptoms.

What to expect

  • Before: You’ll review your medical history, and any necessary medications (like blood thinners) may be adjusted. Sedation is typically light so that you can communicate during the procedure.
  • During: You’ll lie on your stomach, and the skin is cleaned and numbed. Under X-ray guidance, a fine needle is inserted into the targeted disc(s), and contrast dye is injected to evaluate your pain response.
  • After: You may have mild temporary discomfort at the injection site or in your lower back. Most patients return home the same day and resume light activity the following day.

Benefits & risks

Benefits:

  • Identifies the exact disc(s) causing pain
  • Provides valuable information to guide treatment decisions
  • Outpatient procedure with minimal recovery time
  • May help avoid unnecessary surgery by confirming pain origin

Risks:

  • Temporary increase in back pain
  • Infection or bleeding (rare)
  • Disc irritation or headache
  • Allergic reaction to contrast dye (uncommon)

Is it right for me? (Checklist)

  • ✅ Chronic low back pain not explained by MRI or other imaging
  • ✅ Pain suspected to originate from one or more spinal discs
  • ✅ Considering surgery or advanced interventional procedures
  • ✅ Able to participate in a diagnostic procedure with mild discomfort

Alternatives at PCET

FAQs

  • Is discography a treatment or a test? It’s a diagnostic test, not a treatment. It identifies which discs may be causing pain.
  • Will I be sedated? You may receive mild sedation to relax, but you’ll remain awake enough to describe your pain responses.
  • What happens if the test reproduces my pain? That suggests the disc may be a source of your pain, and your provider will discuss next steps.
  • Is it painful? You may feel temporary pressure or discomfort as the disc is pressurized.
  • How soon can I return to activity? Most patients return to light activity within 24–48 hours.

📞 Call to Schedule

If you’re struggling with chronic back pain and need answers, a lumbar discography may help pinpoint the cause. Call (865) 579-0552 to schedule your appointment today.