Discography is a diagnostic procedure in which x-ray dye is injected under gentle pressure into the discs of the spine. Based on the presence or absence of pain during the injection of dye, we may be able to determine if the disc is responsible for your pain symptoms. After the x-ray dye is injected, an x-ray picture is taken of the discs. This image, called a “discogram” may be normal or may show tears (fissures) in the lining of the disc. Typically, a surgeon will request discography to determine which specific disc is the pain generator and to plan subsequent treatment.