Discogram
(Discography)

Medical Author: William C. Shiel, Jr, MD, FACP, FACR
Medical Contributing Author: Standiford Helm II, MD
Medial Editor: Melissa Conrad Stoppler, MD

• What is the anatomy of the disc of the spine (intervertebral disc)?
• What happens to the disc with injury or age?
• What is a discogram used for?
• How is a discogram performed?
• What happens after the procedure?
• Find a local Orthopedic Surgeon in your town

What is the anatomy of the disc of the spine (intervertebral disc)?

The disc is an important structure that rests between the bony building blocks of the spine (vertebrae). The disc in the spine is sometimes referred to as the intervertebral disc. Intervertebral discs help provide flexibility to our spine. They also lessen the effect of impact on our spine by cushioning the bony vertebrae. The disc is designed somewhat like a jelly donut. The disc has a stronger outer layer (the annulus) that is rather like a radial tire, and an inner gel (the nucleus) that acts as a sort of shock absorber or cushion between the bones of the spine.

What happens to the disc with injury or age?

With injury or age, these discs can become damaged, and the supporting ligaments surrounding them weaken. One of the reasons we lose height as we age is that the intervertebral discs lose their water content. This leads to shrinkage of the disc and, as a result, height diminishes.

What is a discogram used for?

An injured disc can be a source of pain. A discogram is used to determine if a particular disc is the source of pain. Discograms are provocative tests, meaning that they attempt to reproduce rather than remove pain. The reproduction of pain during a discogram can help determine if injury to a particular disc is the source of a person's pain.

How is a discogram performed?

When performing a discogram, a needle is inserted into the disc and a contrast dye is injected. This extra fluid in the disc increases the pressure in the disc. Patients with an injured disc may then experience pain that can mimic the pain they have been experiencing. The intensity of the pain is recorded on a 0-10 scale. Based upon this information, the diagnosis of a particular disc injury can be made. The doctor can then determine what the optimal treatment options are for relief of the underlying pain.

[An actual discogram as visualized using an x-ray viewing instrument called a fluoroscope]

What happens after the procedure?

Patients may be sore for several days after the procedure. Any discomfort can be treated with the local application of ice packs or with a cooling pad on and off for periods of twenty minutes.

Last Editorial Review: 1/2/2007