Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of discogenic low back pain

Figure 3 Magnetic resonance imaging and discography. A: A 35-year-old woman had a 5-year history of low back pain. Sagittal T2 weighted magnetic resonance imaging showed L4/5 disc degeneration with a high intensity zone in the posterior annulus fibrosus; B: Discography showed L4/5 disc disruption with exact pain reproduction. After discography, 10 mg methylene blue was injected into the painful disc through discographic needle. Low back pain was almost totally relieved. No recurrence was observed at a 12-mo follow-up interval.