Disc Stimulation (Discography)

This technique is used to diagnose discogenic pain, pain generated from the intervertebral disc. This technique is properly termed provocation or discography as the disc is stimulated in an attempt to reproduce clinical pain. This study attempts to reproduce internal disc pressures, similar to pressures generated in painful activities, in order to diagnose disc pain.  A normal disc accepts the injection of contrast without pain, usually maintains a high internal pressure with the injection, and demonstrates no leak of contrast from the central portion of the disc.