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Introdiscal ElectroThermal Therapy

Overview

This is used to treat pain due to Internal Disc Degeneration, or for patients with a lumbar disc problem. This is an alternative to surgery for some patients.

The procedure

Using an X-ray, the doctor guides a needle into an intervertebral disc. The doctor then inserts a special catheter into the disc and uses it to heat the inside of the disc. The tissues inside the disc shrink, as do the abnormal nerves that cause the pain.

Patients will be sedated for this procedure. Some patients have an increase in spinal pain for up to a week after the procedure and might receive pain medication from their doctor.

Patients having IDET should not eat on the day of their procedure and will need a driver on the day of the procedure.