HOW DOES THE IDET PROCEDURE WORK?
As part of the aging process, cracks or fissures may develop in the wall of the disc. Infiltrated by small nerve endings and vessels, these fissures are a chronic source of pain in many patients. Additionally, the inner disc tissue (nucleus) will frequently bulge into these fissures in the outer region of the disc, likewise stimulating pain sensors within the disc. When performing the IDET procedure, the physician applies controlled levels of thermal energy (heat) to a broad section of the affected disc wall. The thermal energy contracts and thickens the collagen of the disc wall. Results of this may include contraction or closure of the disc wall fissures and a reduction in the bulge of the inner disc material. Am I a candidate for IDET? If you have back pain from a damaged disc (discogenic pain) that does not respond to less invasive therapies, you may benefit from an IDET procedure. Most back pain gets better on its own in the first month or two, so physicians do not consider IDET u
