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Discography

Specialty Pain Management at Specialty Medical Center.

Illustration of the spine
Written by the Specialty Medical Center editorial teamNot individually reviewed by a physicianApproved for publication by SMC, October 31, 2026How we write and review

What is discography?

Discography is a diagnostic test. Contrast dye is injected into one or more spinal discs under X-ray guidance to see whether a specific disc reproduces your usual pain and to show tears in the disc. It is used when other tests haven't made the source of pain clear and a disc procedure or surgery is being considered.

Who it may help

  • Long-lasting back or neck pain thought to come from a disc
  • Planning for a disc procedure or spine surgery

What happens

You lie face down. The skin is numbed and thin needles are guided into the discs with X-ray. Dye is injected and you report what you feel. A CT scan may follow.

Recovery and outlook

Back soreness for a day or two is common. Most people return to normal activity in a day or two.

Risks

Temporary increase in pain, headache, and rarely disc infection or nerve injury.

Other options to discuss

Cost and coverage

When a procedure is medically necessary, it is usually billed to health insurance, Michigan auto no-fault or workers' comp. Many plans need prior authorization. Our team checks your benefits before your procedure is scheduled and tells you about any cost you're likely to owe. See who usually pays · Ask us to check your coverage

Where to get care at Specialty Medical Center

Our interventional pain physicians see patients in Dearborn, Sterling Heights (15 Mile and Schoenherr Rd), Garden City and Pontiac, with online booking in Dearborn and Sterling Heights. Part of Specialty Pain Management.

Eduardo José Otero Loperena, MDInterventional pain medicineMohamed Osman, MDPain managementAaron Greenberg, DOPhysical medicine and rehabilitation

Who performs procedures, and where:

  • Dr. Eduardo José Otero: Universal Care Surgery Center
  • Dr. Mohamed Osman and Dr. Aaron Greenberg: Universal Care Surgery Center and Advanced Surgery Center
  • Dr. Roy Torcuator: Advanced Surgery Center and Garden City Hospital

Office injections are done in our offices. Your physician confirms who performs your procedure, and where, at your consultation.

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This page gives general information. Your physician will explain whether a treatment fits you, its risks and the alternatives.