Discography

Discography is a diagnostic procedure intended to identify the cause of spinal pain. Discs consist of dense connective tissue. The outer layer is called the annulus fibrosus. The nucleus pulposus lies in the centre and normally has a gel-like consistency. With age, discs lose fluid, narrow, become less flexible and provide less effective shock absorption.

A herniation develops when cracks or tears form in the annulus fibrosus and the nucleus pulposus moves outward. If this displacement is towards the spinal canal, the herniation compresses a nerve or the spinal cord.

A disc recovers very slowly. A nerve may grow into the intervertebral disc. Even minor loading can then trigger pain through that nerve. Disc disorders can cause pain, burning, tingling, weakness and numbness. Depending on the damaged disc's location, pain may radiate into the arms or legs.

There are many treatments for back pain. However, if none is effective, discography may be used to clarify the diagnosis.