Black Disc

General Information

A “black disc” is a term essentially created by radiologists that is used to describe the appearance of an abnormal intervertebral disc on an MRI scan. There is a special view on the MRI called a T2 weighted image where a degenerative disc shows up as a dark or black structure. A normal disc appears as white indicating high water content. It is also called a desiccated disc. Black disc disease is a common term used when several discs are involved or show a similar appearance. “Black discs” develop in nearly all of us over time and is considered a normal aspect of an aging spine. The majority of people who have degenerative, or black discs, are asymptomatic so the MRI finding is of questionable significance.

For more information please click here to visit our degenerative disc disease condition page.