An intradiscal diagnostic injection is a procedure used to determine whether a specific spinal disc is the source of your pain. It involves injecting a small amount of contrast dye and anesthetic into the disc under fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance to assess pain response. This test is typically performed when discogenic pain is suspected, meaning the pain originates from a damaged or degenerated disc.

During the procedure, a thin needle is guided into the target disc, and pressure is applied to see if it reproduces your usual pain. If the pain is triggered, it suggests that the disc is a pain generator. A temporary anesthetic may then be injected to confirm whether numbing the disc provides relief. This helps guide treatment decisions such as basivertebral nerve (BVN) ablation, intradiscal regenerative therapy, disc replacement, or spinal fusion.

After the procedure, you may experience some temporary soreness, but post-procedure pain medication is rarely needed. Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours and monitor your symptoms. If you experience severe pain, fever, or signs of infection, contact your doctor. This test is a crucial step in identifying the cause of chronic back pain and selecting the most effective treatment.