Discography
Examining a damaged disc to determine pain source
Discography helps determine the nature of your back pain by injecting dye into the affected disc for review on X-ray
Need to know
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What happens during a discography? icon plus
During a discography, a radio-opaque dye is injected into the jellylike centre of a spinal disc. This makes the disc visible on an X-ray or fluoroscope (an X-ray which captures movement), so that your consultant can examine it. If the disc is normal, the dye remains in the centre of the disc.
If the disc is torn, the dye will spread through tears found in the disc. Your consultant may wish to follow up the discography with a CT scan.
As the dye also shows up on CT scans, this can be done immediately afterwards. The procedure usually lasts 15- 30 minutes and you will be sedated. -
How to prepare icon plus
One of our radiologists will carry out the discography, but your consultant will explain the procedure to you beforehand and answer any questions you may have. You’ll need to avoid food and drink the night before your discography procedure. -
After a discoggraphy icon plus
You’ll recover in the radiology area for a while. As you will be sedated, you should arrange for someone to help you get home afterwards.
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
Our back specialist consultants
Lower back pain
Sometimes these discs can wear out and press on the spinal cord or nerves causing lower back pain
Our locations
From complex back surgery to diagnostic tests and scans, we provide exceptional orthopaedic care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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Chelsea Outpatients
272 & 280 Kings Road
London SW3 5AW
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Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)
170 Tottenham Court Road
London
W1T 7HA
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Outpatients and Diagnostics at 30 Devonshire Street
30 Devonshire Street
London W1G 6PU
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The Wellington Hospital Spinal Unit
South Building, Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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The Wellington Hospital Elstree Waterfront
The Waterfront Business Park
Beaufort House, Elstree Road
Elstree WD6 3BS
Book diagnostic tests and scans
Our advisors can help with enquiries about booking a diagnostic scan and can help you book an appointment for a diagnostic test or scan once you have been referred by a GP or consultant.
Call us on
020 7079 4344