Discography: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Discography?
A radiologist, a doctor trained to supervise and interpret radiology examinations, analyzes the images from a discogram. Spine care doctors use the test to help decide whether a disc is causing your pain. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
A discogram, also called discography, is a test that helps show whether a certain spinal disc may be the source of back pain. Spinal discs are sponge-like cushions between the bones of the spine. In the test, a contrast liquid is injected into the center of one or more discs using x-ray guidance. The injection may bring back your usual back pain for a short time.
Why a doctor might recommend it
A discogram helps find the cause of back pain and guides treatment of abnormal discs. It may also be done before surgery to find discs that need to be treated or removed. An MRI is a very good tool for showing disc problems, but it cannot show on its own whether a problem is causing your pain. Doctors disagree about how helpful discography is. It is not typically used for the first check of back pain. It is usually recommended when four to six months of care, such as medicine or physical therapy, has not eased the pain.
How to prepare
Your doctor will tell you how to prepare. Common steps include the following.
- Your doctor may test your blood to check your kidney function and to see if your blood clots normally.
- Your doctor may tell you to stop aspirin, NSAIDs or blood thinners before the procedure.
- Your doctor will likely tell you not to eat or drink anything after midnight before the procedure.
What happens during it
You must be awake so you can describe what you feel. You lie on your side, rolled forward slightly. Your doctor numbs the skin with a local anesthetic, which may briefly burn or sting. Guided by real-time x-ray images called fluoroscopy, the doctor puts a needle through your skin into the center of the disc. Contrast is then injected, and the needle is removed. In a normal disc, the contrast stays in the center. In an abnormal disc, it spreads through tears in the disc. If the injected disc is the source of your back pain, you may feel pain like your usual pain.
Recovery
You will be taken to an observation area for at least 30 to 60 minutes. You may have some pain at the injection site for several hours after you go home. If the pain is severe and comes with fever, see a doctor right away. A radiologist sends a signed report to your primary care or referring doctor, who discusses the results with you.
Risks and side effects
A discogram is generally a safe procedure. The most common complication is discitis, an infection of the disc space. Discitis usually causes very intense pain but can be treated with antibiotics. Other complications are rare. They include nerve root injury, bleeding, nausea, headache, and increased pain. Other possible complications include injury to blood vessels, temporary numbness or weakness, nerve damage, and paralysis. There is a very slight risk of an allergic reaction to the contrast dye. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, fainting or loss of consciousness, or bleeding that will not stop.
Who performs it
A nurse or technologist places your IV line. A radiologist studies the images from the test.
Common questions
Does a discogram hurt?
It can hurt for a short time. You will feel a slight pinch when the IV is placed and when the numbing medicine is injected. The injection may also bring on pain like your usual back pain, and that pain should be temporary.
Why is a discogram not the first test for back pain?
A discogram is an invasive procedure, which means it puts needles into the disc, so it is not done early. Plain x-rays, spine MRI or, when MRI cannot be done, spine CT are the main tests for lower back pain.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
