Evaluation of cervical disc degeneration with ultralow field MRI and discography. An experimental study on cadavers

The purpose of this study was to test the value of low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and discography in visualizing disc degeneration of the cervical spine. Plain roentgenograms, MR images, discograms, and macroanatomic appearance of the cervical spines of ten cadavers were compared. At levels C4-5-C7-T1, general disc degeneration seen in discography correlated well with macroanatomy (weighted kappa (Kw) = 0.77). The nuclear shape in MRI showed a weak correlation with macroanatomy (Kw = 0.31) and general disc degeneration in discography (Kw = 0.32), whereas nuclear intensity in MRI underestimated such changes. Magnetic resonance imaging showed posterior extension of the nucleus in most cases where moderate or severe leaking was seen in discography. The latter phenomenon represents an increase to our information on structural changes not available by any other noninvasive and nonirradiative method of examination.     

Open stand-up MRI: a new instrument for positional neuroimaging

We present a 40-year-old man referred with complaints of neck pain, left arm pain, headaches, paresthesias in the index and middle fingers, with numbness in the C7 nerve root distribution. Conventional recumbent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was read by the radiologist as a small protrusion at C5-C6 that did not correlate with his symptoms. The patient had exhausted his treatment options. He underwent MRI in a weight-bearing, upright position with extension that revealed a positional cervical disc protrusion on the left at C6-C7. The protrusion was causing a proximal left C6-C7 neural foraminal stenosis and impingement that correlated with his symptoms. With this information, we were able to offer a targeted epidural block. Imaging the spine in the weight-bearing position with extension or placing the spine in the position of pain may increase the diagnostic accuracy for the neuroradiologist and neuroimagist, who then can provide the spine surgeon or neurosurgeon potentially with additional information to further improve patient care.     

Anterolateral extradural approach for C2-C3 disc herniation: technical case report

High cervical disc herniations (C2-C3) are extremely rare, and various approaches have been used to treat C2-C3. In this report, we recommend the anterolateral extradural approach as an alternative to treat C2-C3 disc herniation. A 72-year-old woman was referred to us with severe pain in the left side of her neck and occipital region. She had been taking high doses of analgesics but had no myelopathic symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine revealed that left paramedian, extruded C2-C3 disc material was compressing the spinal cord and the left C3 nerve root. A left-sided anterolateral extradural approach was done to remove the extruded disc material at the C2-C3 level. After resection of the transverse processes of C1 and C2, the V3 segment of the vertebral artery was mobilized posteromedially. The extruded disc material was carefully removed, and the vertebral artery was freed and repositioned. The anterolateral extradural approach to a C2-C3 disc herniation is a good alternative, especially in patients with thick or short necks.     

The prevalence of cervical spondylolisthesis.

This study assessed the prevalence of cervical spondylolisthesis in patients undergoing radiographic studies for reasons unrelated to their cervical spine. Scout lateral cervical spine radiographs of 174 patients who had barium swallows were reviewed for the degree and level of cervical spondylolisthesis. Nine patients were found to have >2 mm of anterior subluxation of the cervical spine for a prevalence of 5.2%. Two patients had involvement at the C2-C3 level, one patient at C3-C4, four patients at C4-C5, one patient at C5-C6, and one patient at C7-T1. Subluxation ranged from 2 to 4 mm. Posterior subluxation (retrolisthesis) was not found in any patient. None of the nine patients with spondylolisthesis had complaints of neck pain or upper extremity symptoms, and none had a history of rheumatoid arthritis or cervical trauma.     

The clinical presentation of uppermost cervical disc protrusion

OBJECT: The purpose of this study is to clarify the clinical presentation of the C2-C3 cervical herniation disc. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Uppermost cervical disc protrusion is an uncommon condition. The pattern of large central fragments of nucleus impinging on the highest cervical disc region is often poorly localized according to its clinical presentation. METHODS: Eight patients treated with anterior cervical discectomy with fusion for C2-C3 disc herniation participated in a detailed clinical and radiologic review to determine early detection and clarify potential hazards. Each patient's neurologic function was tested and recorded successively by a team of physicians and qualified physiotherapists. RESULTS: Reviewing the symptomatology, most patients presented ascending radicular symptoms secondary to trivial trauma, characterized by suboccipital pain, loss of hand dexterity, and paresthesia over face and unilateral lateral arm. Six (75%) patients had remarkable improvement postoperatively in neurologic function, except for some residual sensory embarrassment in at least 6 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical neurologic examination provides a less precise anatomic basis, to point to a particular upper cervical disc protrusion. Nonspecific neck and shoulder pain, a variety of cervical radiculopathy, and myelopathy may present. However, this rare spondylotic pattern is usually characterized by impairment of motor and sensory function more in the upper extremities than lower extremities and mostly starting following trauma. Radiculopathy generally outweighs the cord sign. Cruciate paralysis associated with vague diffuse and patch regions of hypesthesia over perioral distribution may help to localize this upper cervical lesion. The present study demonstrates that early detection and adequate anterior decompression may provide excellent outcome.     

Small central cervical disc syndrome: evaluation and treatment of chronic disabling neck pain

In this retrospective study of 22 patients with severe disabling neck, interscapular, and shoulder pain we evaluated the effectiveness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the diagnosis of small central cervical disc ruptures, and anterior cervical discectomy for the treatment of this condition. Conservative therapy had failed for all patients. All had been disabled for their normal activities for at least 6 months. MRI demonstrated two patterns of mid- or parasagittal disc disease. Anterior cervical discectomy produced nine excellent, six good, five fair, and two poor results. All but one patient returned to his/her former occupation. MRI is essential in the evaluation of patients with chronic neck pain who have failed conservative therapy and present with axial rather than appendicular complaints. Anterior cervical discectomy can be useful in well-selected patients with this syndrome.     

Two-level disc herniation in the cervical and thoracic spine presenting with spastic paresis in the lower extremities without clinical symptoms or signs in the upper extremities.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: There is no report in the literature of two-level disc herniation in the cervical and thoracic spine presenting with spastic paresis/paralysis exclusively in the bilateral lower extremities. PURPOSE: To identify the clinical characteristics of specific myelopathy resulting from C6-C7 disc herniation through a case with spastic paresis in the lower extremities without upper extremities symptoms due to separate disc herniation in the cervical and thoracic spine, which was surgically removed in two stages. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: A case report. METHODS: A 48-year-old man developed a gait disturbance as well as weakness and numbness in the lower extremities. Thoracic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a T11-T12 disc herniation, which was removed under the surgical microscope through a minimally invasive posterior approach. He improved, but 2 months after surgery developed recurrent numbness and spasticity. On this occasion, no evidence of recurrence of the thoracic disc herniation could be identified, but cervical MRI demonstrated a compressed spinal cord at the C6-C7 level. The patient had no neurological findings in the upper extremities. The herniated disc at C6-C7 was removed under the surgical microscope with laminoplasty. RESULTS: The symptoms gradually improved after surgery. At the present time, 2 years and 9 months after the initial operation, the patient had a stable gait and was able to work. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience suggests that in the diagnosis of patients with spastic paresis and sensory disturbances in the lower extremities, spinal cord compression should be explored by imaging studies not only in the thoracic spine but also in the cervical spine, especially at the C6-C7 level, even if the symptoms and abnormal neurological findings are absent in the upper extremities.     

MRI changes of cervical spine in asymptomatic and symptomatic young adults

Several work-related, psychosocial and individual factors have been verified as being related to neck and shoulder pain, but the role of pathology visualized by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains unclear. In this study, the relationship between neck and shoulder pain and cervical high-field MRI findings was investigated in a sample of persons in a longitudinal survey. The study aimed to determine whether subjects with persistent or recurrent neck and shoulder pain were more likely to have abnormal MRI findings of cervical spine than those without neck and shoulder pain. A random sample of 826 high-school students was investigated initially when the students were 17-19 years, and again when they had reached 24-26 years of age. Eighty-seven percent participated in the first survey in 1989, of whom 76% took part in the second survey, in 1996. The validated Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to collect data about neck and shoulder symptoms. Two groups were chosen for the MRI study: the first group ( n=15) consisted of the participants who had reported no neck and shoulder symptoms in either of the inquiries, while the second group ( n=16) comprised those who were suffering from neck and shoulder symptoms once a week or more often at the time of both surveys. The degrees of disc degeneration, anular tear, disc herniation and protrusion were assessed by two radiologists. The differences between the two study groups were evaluated. The study found that abnormal MRI findings were common in both study groups. Disc herniation was the only MRI finding that was significantly associated with neck pain. These findings indicate that pathophysiological changes of cervical spine verified on MRI seem to explain only part of the occurrence of neck and shoulder pain in young adults.     

Association between roentgenographic findings of the cervical spine and neck symptoms in a Japanese community population

Background

Radiographic findings may provide clues to the underlying cause of neck symptoms. However, these associations remain controversial. This study investigates the association between roentgenographic findings of the cervical spine and neck symptoms in a Japanese community population.

Methods

A total of 762 volunteers participated in this study. Sagittal radiographs of the cervical spine were taken and a questionnaire about the presence of and visual analog scale (VAS) for neck pain or stiff shoulder was completed. The sagittal alignment of the cervical spine (C2–C7) and the degenerative index were measured from lateral aspect radiographs. Three groups based on the sagittal alignment of C2–C7 were defined: straight-spine, lordotic-spine, and kyphotic-spine. The roentgenographic findings were examined in relation to symptoms.

Results

The prevalence rate of stiff shoulder on the day of examination was significantly higher in females than males. Although the VAS for neck pain and stiff shoulder on the examination day and for stiff shoulder in the preceding 12 months were not significantly different between females and males, that for neck pain in the preceding 12 months was significantly higher in females than males. Although there was no association between the sagittal alignment of C2–C7 and neck symptoms in males or females, a significant correlation between the degenerative index and VAS for neck pain on the examination day and in the preceding 12 months was seen in females after adjusting for age. The prevalence of and VAS for neck pain and stiff shoulder were not significantly different among the three C2–C7 sagittal alignment groups.

Conclusion

Although the sagittal alignment of the cervical spine was not associated with neck symptoms, degenerative changes were associated with the severity of neck pain in females.     

Quadriparesis following cervical epidural steroid injections: case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Cervical epidural steroid injections are frequently used in the conservative management of neck pain, cervical radiculitis, and cervical radiculopathy. Between 64-76% of patients who receive injections report subjective pain improvement. Injections are usually well-tolerated with only mild, transient side effects, although a few case reports of patients with adverse effects do appear in the literature. Some clinicians have expressed concerns about epidural injections above the C7-T1 level, and in the use of methylprednisolone epidurally; as yet, neither is a consensus viewpoint. PURPOSE: This case report describes severe adverse effects (quadriplegia and respiratory arrest) associated with an epidural injection into the C6-C7 space. Although the patient's symptoms improved somewhat with supportive care, quadriparesis appears irreversible. No reports of quadriparesis after cervical epidural injection were found in the literature, although other adverse effects have been reported. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: The patient was injected by a fellowship-trained pain management specialist in an outpatient surgicenter using C-arm fluoroscopic guidance. Immediately he experienced respiratory arrest with quadriplegia. He was intubated and transferred to the hospital, then transferred again to Christiana Health Care Services. METHODS: The patient was hospitalized, treated with steroid protocol within 8 hours, and followed clinically for 6 months. RESULTS: Magnetic resonance imaging within 6 hours of the injury and 6 months later showed no significant findings aside from lordosis (40 degrees angle) of the cervical spine at the C6-C7 level. CONCLUSION: Although evidence is not conclusive, this patient may have suffered a vascular event from a cervical epidural injection.     

Distance to the adult cervical epidural space

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cervical epidural block is useful in the management of a variety of acute, chronic, and cancer-related pain syndromes involving the head, face, neck, and upper extremities. Knowledge of the depth from the skin to the cervical epidural space (DSES) may be helpful when performing cervical epidural block and may reduce the possibility of complications. We studied DSES in adults and its relationship with patient age, height, weight, and neck circumference. METHODS: The study included 816 patients. Cervical epidural block was performed at the C5-6, C6-7, and C7-T1 intervertebral space by a midline approach under fluoroscopic guidance. The depth to the epidural space from the skin was measured. RESULTS: DSES at C5-6, C6-7, and C7-T1 was 4.7 +/- 0.6 cm, 5.1 +/- 0.6 cm, 5.6 +/- 0.8 cm in males and 4.0 +/- 0.6 cm, 4.6 +/- 0.6 cm, 5.0 +/- 0.6 cm in females (mean +/- SD). Linear regression analysis revealed significant correlations between DSES and weight, neck circumference, and body mass index. CONCLUSION: DSES varies with cervical intervertebral space. DSES increases as one moves caudally. The greatest DSES was noted at C7-T1 in men, and the least was at C5-6 in women. DSES had a significant relationship with weight, neck circumference, and body mass index in both genders.     

Spinal accessory nerve palsy: associated signs and symptoms

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. BACKGROUND: Spinal accessory nerve palsy (SANP) is common following neck dissection surgery and can occur with blunt or penetrating trauma to the lateral neck region and cervical stretch injuries. Early detection of SANP remains a clinical challenge and the condition is often misdiagnosed. The purpose of this case series is to describe the associated history, signs, and symptoms related to SANP and increase awareness of the scapular flip sign as a clinical sign associated with SANP. CASE SERIES DESCRIPTION: Twenty subjects (13 male, 7 female) presented with pain and decreased shoulder function following head and neck surgery or posttrauma. All patients were thoroughly examined and the scapular flip sign was assessed. All patients presented with a cluster of signs and symptoms including trapezius atrophy, shoulder girdle depression, limited active shoulder abduction to less than 90 degrees , shoulder pain, and shoulder weakness. A positive scapular flip sign was present in all cases. The middle and lower trapezius were rated as 0/5, based on manual muscle testing, indicating no identifiable muscle activation against resistance. DISCUSSION: A typical history and consistent signs and symptoms were found related to SANP. A strong relationship appeared between the presence of the scapular flip sign and SANP. The suspected mechanism for the scapular flip sign is the unopposed pull of the humeral external rotators by the inactive middle and lower trapezius. Early identification of SANP can assist with the prognosis, explain persistent impairments and functional deficits, motivate appropriate diagnostic testing and interventions, and help maximize outcome. Further research to validate the scapular flip sign and establish a clinical prediction rule for the diagnosis of SANP should be performed.     

寰枢关节不稳或脱位患者上颈椎曲度改变对下颈椎的影响

目的:探讨寰枢关节不稳或脱位患者上颈椎的曲度变化对下颈椎力线和退变的影响.方法:在148例寰枢关节不稳定或脱位患者的颈椎中立位X线片上测量CO-1、C1-2、CO-2及C2-7角度,评估颈椎间盘的退变程度.分析上、下颈椎曲度之间以及颈椎曲度与年龄、病程之间的相关性,观察不同年龄组上颈椎曲度对下颈椎椎间盘退行变的影响.结果:CO-1角度为-22.9°18.6°(n=88);CI-2角度为-31.7°～39.1°(n=88);CO-2角度为-35.2°～44.8°(n=148);C2-7角度为-17.4°77.8.(n=148).C1-2和C2-7角度之间、C0-2与C2-7角度间、C0-1与C1-2角度之间存在显著负相关性.上、下颈椎曲度与病程、年龄无相关性.30～39岁组、40～49岁组及50～59岁组C5/6椎间盘退变、60岁以上组C2/3椎间盘退变与上颈椎角度(C0-2角度)之间存在显著负相关.结论:上、下颈椎曲度间存在密切关系,寰椎前脱位可导致下颈椎出现代偿性过度前凸,即鹅颈畸形,鹅颈畸形可能加速下颈椎的退变进程.     

Modic changes in the cervical spine: Prospective 20-year follow-up study in asymptomatic subjects

BackgroundFew studies have characterized the development of Modic changes in the cervical spine over time. We evaluated Modic changes of the cervical spine that developed over a 20-year period in a healthy cohort, and sought to clarify the relationship between Modic changes and the development of clinical symptoms.MethodsFor this multicenter prospective cohort study, we recruited 193 subjects from an original cohort of asymptomatic volunteers who underwent MRI of the cervical spine between 1993 and 1996. Each cervical level from C2/3 to C7/T1 (total n = 1158 intervertebral levels) was assessed on current MRIs as normal or showing type 1, 2, or 3 Modic change, and we asked about symptoms related to the cervical spine. Relationships between the presence of Modic changes and patient characteristics, pre-existing disc degenerations or clinical symptoms were evaluated by logistic regression analysis.ResultsAfter 20-year follow-up, Modic changes affected 31 subjects (16.1%) at 47 intervertebral disc levels. Of these 47 intervertebral disc levels, type 2, found at 30 levels (63.8%), was the most frequent, followed by type 1 at 15 levels (31.9%) and type 3 at two levels (4.3%). The most frequent changes were observed at the C5/6 segment with type 2 Modic changes. The presence of Modic changes correlated with pre-existing posterior disc protrusion (odds ratio 3.31, 95% confidence interval 1.21–9.05) and neck pain (odds ratio 2.71, 95% confidence interval 1.08–6.80).ConclusionsIn the cervical spine over a 20-year period, type 2 Modic changes were most frequent at the C5/6 segment. The Modic changes were associated with pre-existing disc degeneration and neck pain but not with age, BMI, smoking, shoulder stiffness, arm pain or numbness.     

低温等离子射频盘内髓核消融术联合胶原酶盘外溶解术治疗颈椎间盘突出症的效果

目的 评价低温等离子射频盘内髓核消融术联合胶原酶盘外溶解术治疗颈椎间盘突出症的效果.方法 具有头痛、头晕、颈肩臂痛等症状的颈椎病患者56例,年龄33～61岁,采用随机数字表法,将患者随机分为2组(n=28):胶原酶盘外溶解术组(C组)和低温等离子射频盘内髓核消融术联合胶原酶盘外溶解术组(R组).两组手术均在CT引导下进行,术后6个月采用改良划线法评价疗效.结果 C组患者头痛、头晕和颈肩臂痛缓解率分别为86％、79％和93％,R组分别为96％、93％和100％,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 低温等离子射频盘内髓核消融术联合胶原酶盘外溶解术治疗颈椎间盘突出症的效果优于单独应用胶原酶盘外溶解术.     

‘Whiplash injuries’ of the neck: a retrospective study

This is a retrospective study of 102 patients with whiplash injuries of the neck followed up at approximately 2 years. The results show that 67 patients were asymptomatic by this time and the remaining 35 patients still exhibited symptoms. Prognostic indicators were found to be age, occipital headaches, referred symptoms, interscapular pain, abnormal neurological signs, positive radiological findings and osteoarthritic changes of the cervical spine. Symptoms that persisted for more than 2 months indicated prolonged disability.     

Anterior cervical fusion. A review of thirty-three patients with cervical disc degeneration.

Thirty-three patients who had undergone anterior cervical fusion for degenerative disc disease were reviewed to determine the efficacy of the procedure. Only patients who were available for examination and who had undergone operation at least one year previously were included in the review. Nearly all had had arm pain and three-quarters neck pain. Diminished neck movement and neurological abnormalities in the arms had been frequent findings. Diagnosis from the clinical features and plain radiographs is described. Myelography was not used routinely and discography was not used at all. Indications for operation and surgical technique are described. Results show that pain in the neck and arm was relieved in a high proportion of cases and that the neurological abnormalities often recovered. It is concluded that this operation is safe and has a definite place in the relief of pain from cervical disc degeneration resistant to conservative treatment.     

Posttraumatic focal dystonia of the shoulder

Focal posttraumatic shoulder dystonia is a rare and not easily identifiable entity. Its true pathophysiologic nature, predisposing factors, and disease course remain debatable.This article describes a rare case of a 40-year-old man with late symptoms of focal shoulder dystonia after peripheral trauma of his left shoulder girdle. The shoulder was indirectly injured from the impact of a fall off his motorbike 3 years earlier. He was referred to the authors' institution because remarkable reduction of arm abduction, muscle spasms, and circumscribed hypertrophy of the trapezius muscle were noted while his head and neck were in neutral position and had a full range of motion. The left shoulder had a fixed elevated posture compared with the contralateral shoulder. A continuous burning pain was localized over the area of the hypertrophied trapezius muscle, radiating to the ipsilateral side of the head and neck. Dystonic movements of the trapezius, rhomboid, and supraspinatus muscles were observed. The abduction of the shoulder was significantly decreased, and any repetitive effort for arm abduction induced an exaggeration of his movement disorder, leading to a more pronounced shoulder elevation.Plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging of the left shoulder revealed a suprascapular tendinitis with no other abnormalities. Repeated needle electromyography of the left trapezius muscle and neurography of the accessory nerve on both sides were normal. Injections of botulinum toxin A were effective in the resolution of muscle hypertrophy and abnormal posture.     

Technical note: unilateral posterior resection of cervical disc and spondylostenosis with contralateral fusion for instability

BACKGROUND: Posterior cervical unilateral diskectomy and decompression for stenosis with instability may be successfully stabilized with contralateral diskectomy and fusion. METHODS: A 49-year-old male with a left-sided C8 radiculopathy had dynamic X-ray, MR, and CT studies that documented an old anterior diskectomy and fusion at the C5-C6 level, and a new left-sided foraminal disc herniation at the C7-T1 level with instability, accompanied by C6-T1 spondylostenosis. Following left-sided C6-T1 laminectomies with excision of C7-T1 disc, a contralateral right-sided C5-T2 fusion was performed with fibula strut allograft wired to the spinous processes using titanium cable and iliac crest autograft. RESULTS: X-ray and 2D CT studies performed 3 and 6 months postoperatively confirmed adequate unilateral decompression of stenosis with disc removal and contralateral fusion. Within three weeks of surgery, the patient had no residual neurological deficit. Three years later, he remained intact, and X-ray studies continued to demonstrate spinal stability. CONCLUSIONS: A unilateral C7-T1 disc herniation with instability accompanied by C6-T1 spondylostenosis were successfully managed with unilateral decompression and disc excision followed by contralateral fusion.     

Provocative discography in volunteer subjects with mild persistent low back pain.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Whether discographic injections would be positive in subjects with benign persistent "backache" who are not seeking treatment is unknown. This information is important, because benign backache undoubtedly co-exists in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) illness that is not discogenicin origin. If these subjects had a high rate of positive discography, the high background incidence of common backache would allow many positive tests in patients in whom discogenic processes were unrelated to their severe CLBP illness. Conversely, if subjects with benign low back pain rarely if ever had significant concordant pain reproduction on disc injections, the basic tenet of discographic diagnosis would be strengthened. PURPOSE: To compare, using a strict experimental design, the relative pain and concordancy response to provocative discography in subjects with clinically insignificant "backache" and clinical subjects with CLBP illness considering surgical treatment. STUDY DESIGN: Comparison of experimental disc injections in subjects with persistent mild backache and those with chronic low back pain (CLBP) illness. PATIENT SAMPLE: Twenty-five subjects with mild persistent low back pain (LBP) were recruited for an experimental discography study. Subjects were recruited from a clinical study of patients having had cervical spine surgery. Inclusion criteria required that subjects not be receiving or seeking medical treatment for LBP, be taking no medications for backache, have no activity restrictions because of LBP, and have normal psychometric scores. To more closely approximate the pain behavior in CLBP illness, 50% (12) of the "backache" group were recruited with a chronic painful condition (neck/shoulder) unrelated to the low back. CLBP subjects, patients coming to discography for consideration of surgical treatment, were used as control subjects. OUTCOME MEASURES: Results of discography were determined using the criteria of Walsh et al.: pain response of 3 or greater, two or more pain behaviors, a negative "control" discographic injection, and a similar or exact concordancy rating. METHODS: Discography was performed on experimental subjects and control patients. Experienced raters, who were blinded to control versus experimental status of the subjects, scored the magnetic resonance image, discogram, psychometric tests and discography videotapes of the subjects' pain behavior. RESULTS: Thirteen of 25 volunteer subjects had pain rated as "bad" or worse with disc injection. There were 12 painful and fully concordant disc injections in 9 of these 25 "backache" subjects (36%). These injections met all the Walsh et al. criteria for a positive diagnosis of discogenic pain. All positive discs had annular disruption to or through the outer annulus. Of the 9 subjects with positive discograms, 3 had no chronic pain states and 6 did. All subjects with positive injections had negative control discs. In comparison, in 52 subjects with CLBP illness 38 (73%) had at least one positive disc injection. CONCLUSIONS: In a group of volunteer subjects with persistent "backache," 36% were found to have significant pain on disc injection, which is reported to be concordant with their usual pain. The presence of positive concordant pain responses and negative control discs in 33% of subjects without CLBP illness seriously challenges the specificity of provocative discography in identifying a clinically relevant spinal pathology.