Learn about Discography Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Discography and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Discography

Discography, also known as discogram, is a diagnostic imaging procedure used to evaluate the source of chronic back pain, particularly when other tests like MRI or CT scans are inconclusive. Performed by a spine surgeon or interventional radiologist, it involves injecting a contrast dye into one or more spinal discs under fluoroscopic guidance. The patient's pain response during injection helps identify if a specific disc is the pain generator. This procedure is crucial for planning targeted treatments, such as spinal fusion or artificial disc replacement, by pinpointing the exact problematic disc. It is typically considered when non-surgical treatments have failed and precise surgical intervention is needed.

Key Highlights

    Pinpoints the exact source of discogenic back pain when other imaging is unclear.Provides critical diagnostic information to guide precise surgical planning, such as for spinal fusion.Helps differentiate between symptomatic and asymptomatic degenerated discs.Can prevent unnecessary surgery by confirming or ruling out a specific disc as the pain source.Performed as a minimally invasive outpatient procedure in most cases.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Chronic, unremitting axial back pain (pain in the spine itself) lasting more than 3-4 months.
  • Inconclusive findings on MRI, CT, or other imaging studies despite significant symptoms.
  • Evaluation of disc integrity prior to considering spinal fusion surgery or artificial disc replacement.
  • Assessment of recurrent pain following previous spinal surgery.
  • Differentiation of pain from multiple degenerated discs seen on imaging.

How to prepare

  • Complete a thorough medical evaluation, including review of allergies, especially to iodine or contrast dye.
  • Discontinue blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel) as advised by the doctor, typically 5-7 days prior.
  • Fast for 4-6 hours before the procedure, though clear fluids may be allowed.
  • Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, as sedation is often used.
  • Inform the doctor of any active infections or if there is a possibility of pregnancy.

Risks & possible complications

  • Discitis (infection of the disc space), a rare but serious complication.
  • Bleeding, nerve injury, or accidental puncture of the dura (thecal sac).
  • Allergic reaction to the contrast dye or local anesthetic.
  • Increased back pain following the procedure, which usually subsides in a few days.
  • Headache, nausea, or dizziness related to sedation or the procedure itself.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Rest for the first 24 hours; avoid strenuous activity, bending, or lifting.
  • You may experience increased back pain or soreness at the injection site for 2-3 days; prescribed pain medication can help.
  • Apply ice packs to the injection site to reduce swelling and discomfort.
  • Keep the injection site clean and dry; watch for signs of infection like redness, fever, or worsening pain.
  • Follow up with your spine surgeon to discuss the results and next steps in your treatment plan.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient) or 1 day
  • checked Expected recovery time: 1-3 days for routine activities, 1-2 weeks for full recovery

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering discography in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for discography compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 25 Thousand – 70 Thousand 0 days (outpatient) or 1 day ~ 1-3 days for routine activities, 1-2 weeks for full recovery Know More
Turkey TRY 87.5 Thousand – 245 Thousand 0 days (outpatient) or 1 day ~ 1-3 days for routine activities, 1-2 weeks for full recovery Know More

Top hospitals for Discography in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated spine surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing discography.

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91+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
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5990+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Rangapani

  • IconSiliguri, India
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10171+ Rating

Miot Hospital Chennai

  • IconChennai, India
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PATIENT REVIEW

Robert Chopra, a 58-year-old construction foreman,...

Robert Chopra, a 58-year-old construction foreman, had endured chronic lower back pain for over a decade. The pain, a deep, persistent ache, had worsened in the last two years, radiating down his left leg and severely limiting his ability to work and play with his grandchildren. Multiple MRIs showed degenerative disc disease at L4-L5 and L5-S1, but it was unclear which disc was the primary pain generator. His spine surgeon, Dr. Evans, recommended a discography to precisely identify the painful disc before considering a fusion surgery. Robert was anxious about the invasive nature of the test. During the procedure, he experienced significant, familiar pain when the contrast dye was injected into the L4-L5 disc, confirming it as the source. The L5-S1 disc provoked only mild pressure. The recovery was rough for 3-4 days, with a flare-up of his usual pain, but it gradually settled. Emotionally, he moved from fear and frustration to a sense of clarity and purpose. Knowing exactly which disc was the problem gave him confidence to proceed with the recommended fusion, feeling he was finally targeting the right source of his suffering.

Spine surgeons for Discography

Explore experienced spine surgeons who regularly perform discography and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Charanjit Singh Dhillon
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Dhiyanesh Krishnamoorthy
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Priyamvadha K
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Bharat Sarkar
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vidyadhara S
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Thomas J Kishen
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mohit Muttha
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 550
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Dhiyanesh Krishnamoorthy
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Thomas J Kishen
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1100
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. SK Rajan
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mukesh Haritwal
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jaipur, Jaipur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Abhishek Soni
  • 7 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Balamurugan Thirugnanam
  • 5 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Kasinath Swain
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Orthopedist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Anutosh Singh
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Akash Mishra
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Saikat Sarkar
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Subhadip Mandal
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Hamza Shaikh
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Rahul Chaudhari
  • 19 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Baner, Pune

OPD-desk synced • Updated