Pressurising the suspect
Contrast is placed into the disc centre, gently raising its internal pressure toward what daily loading produces.
Diagnostics · Invasive
Discography
A diagnostic study in which contrast is placed into a disc to assess its structure and pain response.
What it is
The strictest test for disc pain
MRI shows worn discs; it cannot say which one hurts. Discography closes that gap by pressurising suspect discs one by one under imaging — the most demanding, and most specific, test for discogenic pain.
Pain as the readout
If pressurising one disc reproduces your familiar pain — while neighbouring control discs stay silent — that disc is implicated.
Structure plus symptoms
The study simultaneously shows internal disc disruption such as radial tears, pairing anatomy with your live response.
Strictly selective
Because it deliberately provokes pain, discography is reserved for cases where identifying the exact pain-generating disc changes the plan.
Invasive diagnostics are used only when the result will change the plan. Suitability is assessed individually.
Common questions
Things patients ask us
Why provoke pain on purpose?
Because painless wear is everywhere after a certain age. Only a disc that reproduces your symptoms under controlled pressure earns surgical attention.
Will it hurt?
The tested disc may reproduce your familiar pain briefly — that response is the diagnostic point. The team explains exactly what to expect beforehand.
What must I disclose beforehand?
Blood thinners, infections, allergies, diabetes and pregnancy all matter. Bring a full medication list so the team can plan safely.
What happens after a positive result?
The team explains which treatments address a confirmed disc source, what each involves, and the alternatives — including non-surgical ones.
Start with your case.
Send your history and any imaging you already have. The ProSpine team will review your case and respond with the next steps.
Free · No obligation · Reviewed by the ProSpine team