What Are Intradiscal Treatments?
Intradiscal Treatments includes: Provocative Discography, Stem Cell Treatments for Herniated and Torn Discs and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatments for Herniated and Torn Discs.
How Are Intradiscal Treatments Performed?
This minimally invasive procedure is generally performed on an outpatient basis. Your back will be sterilized at the area where the treatment will be administered. A local anesthetic and a mild sedative may be used to limit discomfort during treatment. You will remain awake and alert during the procedure so you can communicate with your doctor.
With the help of X-ray guidance, your doctor will insert a needle into the disc that is causing pain. Once the needle is in place, a catheter is introduced. The thermal catheter is gradually heated to 194 degrees Fahrenheit. Your pain level will be monitored closely. If you feel pain that is a reproduction of your usual back pain, it is an indication that the heat is being applied to the right area.
After the treatment is complete, the needle and catheter are removed. The insertion site will be bandaged and you will be ready to go home.
Conditions Intradiscal Treatments Can Treat
Intradiscal treatments can be helpful for individuals who suffer from herniated discs or disc degeneration. These two conditions are responsible for many people’s back pain.
Intradiscal therapy helps seal annular tears that appear in the collagen covering of the disc. Additionally, it thickens the outer shell of the disc and destroys nerve receptors. When the receptors are gone, the nerves no longer have the ability to transmit pain signals. Studies have shown that intradiscal therapy can decrease pressure between the vertebral discs, which can significantly reduce pain. People who are experiencing these symptoms are most likely to receive relief from intradiscal therapy:
- Contained herniation of a disc.
- Disc height that is under 50%.
- Disc pain that has been confirmed with the use of discography or MRI.
- Chronic back pain that lasts for three to six months.
People who smoke are less likely to benefit from intradiscal therapy than the general population. This is because healing is impaired in people who smoke.
Recovery From Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy
You may feel discomfort at the treatment site for several days. Medication may be prescribed to make you more comfortable. Healing takes between 12 and 16 weeks. During that time, it is important to treat your spine with care. We’ll provide you with physical rehabilitation guidelines to help you heal correctly. Most people start to feel relief during healing and continue to improve for up to six months after the procedure is performed. If you engage in athletic activities, you can resume them six months after your procedure.