Discography

A Discography or Discogram is a diagnostic tool used to find the precise source of back and neck pain as well as numbness or tingling in the extremities (radiculopathy). During this procedure, a hollow needle is placed through the skin and rests on the outermost layer of the spinal disc. A second needle is then threaded through the hollow needle into the disc space. Once inside the disc space, a safe fluid know as contrast dye is injected into the disk. This dye is visible under the fluoroscopic guidance that will be used during the procedure. Generally, if the dye stays contained within the disc, that disc is not the source of pain. If there are abnormalities or tears in the disc, the dye will spread throughout those tears and that disc is most likely the cause of the pain. This procedure may be repeated at levels above and below to ensure the correct pain generator is identified.

This non-surgical procedure is performed on an outpatient basis by the expert staff at the New Jersey Spine Institute and requires only light sedation or local anesthesia. We use this procedure as part of our comprehensive diagnosis process.

At the New Jersey Spine Institute, we believe that an accurate diagnosis is the first step to relief.