In this procedure a contrast medium which will be visible on X-rays will be injected directly into one of your intervertebral discs. You will be given a local anesthetic and then, with a long thin needle, a doctor will inject the contrast medium directly into your disc.

X-ray pictures will then be taken to determine where the problem is. There may be some soreness at he site of the injection. The X-rays will show a rough outline of the disc, and if the outer part of the disc has ruptured then the contrast medium will leak out and be visible outside the disc.