Intradiscal Treatments

Intradiscal treatments are a group of minimally invasive procedures used to treat pain caused by intervertebral disc degeneration. Intervertebral discs are the soft, gel-filled cushions that separate the bones of the spine. They help to absorb shock and provide flexibility to the spine.

As we age, the intervertebral discs can begin to degenerate. This degeneration can cause the discs to lose their water content and become stiff and brittle. The outer layer of the disc, called the annulus fibrosus, can also crack or tear. This lets the inner part of the disc, called the nucleus pulposus, to herniate, or bulge out.

A herniated disc can compress a nerve root, which can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the area supplied by the nerve. Degenerated discs can also cause pain by releasing inflammatory chemicals into the surrounding tissues.

Intradiscal treatments are used to treat pain caused by intervertebral disc degeneration by either reducing inflammation or repairing the damaged disc.

Types of Intradiscal Treatments

There are several different types of intradiscal treatments, including:

• Intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET): IDET involves using a radiofrequency probe to heat the inner part of the disc. This is thought to reduce inflammation and shrink the disc.
• Nucleoplasty: Nucleoplasty involves using a needle to remove a small amount of the nucleus pulposus, the inner part of the disc. This is thought to reduce pressure on the nerve root.
• Chymopapain injection: Chymopapain is an enzyme that is injected into the disc to break down the nucleus pulposus. This is thought to reduce pressure on the nerve root.
• Percutaneous disc decompression: Percutaneous disc decompression involves using a needle to remove a small amount of the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus, the outer layer of the disc. This is thought to reduce pressure on the nerve root.