Not all back pain shows up clearly on an MRI or CT scan. When symptoms persist without answers, more precise testing may be needed. That’s where a lumbar discography comes in—a specialized diagnostic procedure that helps identify whether a specific spinal disc is the root cause of your pain.
At The Physicians Spine & Rehabilitation Specialists, we specialize in advanced, image-guided diagnostics for patients experiencing unresolved back pain. Our providers use lumbar discography as a targeted, research-backed tool to determine the right path forward for your treatment.
This guide explains what happens before, during, and after your procedure—so you can feel confident every step of the way.
Preparing for Your Lumbar Discography
Before the procedure, your care team will provide specific instructions based on your medical history. In general, you can expect the following:
- Pre-Procedure Consultation: Your physician will review your symptoms, imaging history (MRI or CT), and confirm whether discography is appropriate.
- Medications: You may need to pause certain medications, such as blood thinners or anti-inflammatories, prior to the test. Be sure to provide a full list of your medications and supplements.
- Fasting: You might be asked not to eat or drink for several hours before the test.
- Arranging Transportation: Since a sedative or local anesthesia may be used, you should arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
Mental preparation is just as important. Understanding the purpose of the discography procedure—reproducing your pain to locate its source—can help you feel more confident and informed.
What Happens During a Lumbar Discography
Lumbar discography is a same-day outpatient procedure, often taking 30–60 minutes. Here’s a step-by-step look at what you can expect:
- Positioning & Prep: You’ll lie on your stomach or side while your back is cleaned and sterilized.
- Local Anesthetic: A numbing medication is injected to reduce discomfort at the insertion site.
- Needle Placement: Using fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray), your doctor carefully inserts thin needles into the spinal discs being evaluated.
- Dye Injection & Pressure Testing: A contrast dye is injected into each disc. If a disc is unhealthy, this may temporarily reproduce your typical pain symptoms.
- Pain Feedback: You’ll be asked to describe what you feel. If the sensation mirrors your usual pain, it confirms that the disc is a likely source.
- Imaging: Once complete, a CT scan may be done to visualize the internal disc structure.
This special test of the lumbar spine is not intended to fix the problem, but rather to pinpoint its source for more targeted treatment moving forward.
Tips to Make the Procedure More Comfortable
While the discography procedure is considered safe and generally well tolerated, being prepared can help you feel more at ease:
- Dress Comfortably: Wear loose clothing and avoid jewelry or accessories.
- Follow All Pre-Op Instructions: This ensures optimal safety and accuracy.
- Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask your provider anything you’re unsure about.
- Bring a Trusted Support Person: Even though you won’t be under general anesthesia, having a familiar face with you can be comforting.
What You Might Feel After the Test
It’s normal to feel some soreness or pressure in your back after a lumbar discography. Here are common post-procedure effects:
- Mild back pain or tenderness at the injection site
- Temporary flare-up of your usual pain
- Fatigue or minor stiffness
These symptoms typically subside within a few days. You’ll be advised to rest, avoid strenuous activity, and follow any post-care instructions given by your physician.
What Happens After the Discography Procedure?
Once the test is complete, your doctor will review your results and determine the next steps in your lower back pain treatment. These may include:
- Medication Management: Adjusting or prescribing medication based on your diagnosis.
- Minimally Invasive Procedures: These procedures include image-guided injections or radiofrequency ablation.
- Surgical Considerations: If indicated, discography results can help surgeons plan precisely which disc(s) to address.
This test is especially valuable if you’re being evaluated for surgery or advanced interventions. It helps ensure that any treatment addresses the correct disc and doesn’t involve unnecessary spinal levels.
Why Choose The Physicians?
At The Physicians, we provide expert, non-surgical care for complex back and spine conditions. Our team is trained in advanced diagnostic tools, including lumbar discography, to help patients move forward with clarity and confidence.
We proudly serve patients across six locations in the greater Atlanta area:
Each location is staffed by trusted pain management physicians who use leading-edge techniques to diagnose and manage chronic pain. You can view our provider directory to find the right care team near you.
Ready to Pinpoint the Cause of Your Back Pain?
A discography procedure can be the key to a more accurate lower back pain diagnosis and a treatment plan that finally works. At The Physicians, our expert team provides the clarity and support you need to move forward with confidence.
Request an appointment today to speak with a specialist about lumbar discography and next steps in your recovery.
