The process of injecting contrast medium into the disc nucleus so that its structure will show up on an X-ray film - the discogram.

an x-ray of the disc

An investigation that is done as an aid to a surgeon prior to surgery. A contrast medium is injected into the disc nucleus and a series of x-rays taken that will show up the structure of a disc on the discogram. The person's pain reaction can also help determine which disc is causing the pain.

(dis-KOG-rah-fee) — Technically, the injection of a reactive dye into the disc nucleus and visualization of the disc interior by x-ray. See provocation discography.

Discography involves the injection of dye into the nucleus of an intervertebral disc. During the injection, the physician performing the procedure asks the patient if the injection generates pain similar to his/her “usual pain.” Discographic images are generated from plain radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scanning.

The injection of a water-soluble imaging material directly into the nucleus pulposus of a disc to assess the extent of disc damage and characterize the pain response.