Intradiscal Procedures

Lumbar

The intervertebral disc is a common cause of persistent pain. The degeneration and weakening of the annulus (outer layer of the disc) leads to nucleus pulposus (inner jelly of the disc) migration or herniation and nerve root compression with resultant pain. Usually after provocative discography with identified and concordant pain, an intradiscal procedure can be performed. Multiple procedures are available which use heat to shrink and denervate, as well as mechanical decompression of the nucleus pulposus. The right procedure will be determined based on pain and disc pathology. Procedure details are obtained from the physician.