Abstract: The present invention is for a non-invasive pain provocative means for diagnosing spinal disorders. The device is a hand-held instrument which can be used in any doctor's office to differentiate which intervertebral disc is responsible for a patient's symptoms. The device produces pain by applying vibrations to the spinous process above a degenerated disc. The device has a handle for a user to easily grip, a vibration means located within the handle, and a detachable applicator positioned distally on the handle. The applicator, having many embodiments, is the element of the device which is applied to the patient's spine, in particular, to the spinous processes of the spine. This device can be useful in predicting a problem before an acute episode occurs or in staging the disc degeneration process or in screening people for certain jobs that have a high incidence of disc injury or trauma.