Intradiscal Procedures for Back Pain
Sometimes back pain comes from the fluid-filled disks that make up your spine.
The spine's 24 bony vertebrae are hooked together in a way that allows the spine to bend and move. In between each vertebra is a flat, fluid-filled cushion called a disk. When the disks themselves are causing back pain or pain radiating to the legs, doctors sometimes do an intradiscal procedure to try to relieve the pain.
Intradiscal procedures are generally considered experimental or investigational. Medical opinion on them varies widely. Several small studies have said that intradiscal procedures are relatively safe methods to relieve back pain. But many experts say they haven't seen much proof that these procedures really ease pain. Although some research shows good results for certain procedures, other research shows less of an effect. For some procedures, more research needs to be done. And the research needs to be done with a larger number of people.
Modern intradiscal procedures can be done on an outpatient basis and are minimally invasive. This generally means you will have less pain from the treatment itself and a speedier return to daily life. But before having an intradiscal procedure, you'll want to discuss the risks and benefits in detail with your doctor. The healing process may limit your movements, so be sure you understand what you can and cannot do after a procedure. Also check to see whether your insurance company covers the procedure you're considering, because some do not.
Types of intradiscal procedures
Percutaneous mechanical disk decompression
Decompression is a procedure in which your surgeon removes some of the tissue from the center of the bulging disk that is causing you pain. The goal is to remove as little material as possible, so that the disk remains stable. This is a minimally invasive procedure. The surgeon uses a needle to reach the disk and remove the extra material from the gelatinous center of the disk (known as the nucleus pulposus). It is usually done under local anesthetic in a doctor's office. Although your movement may be limited for a while after the procedure, healing is faster than with an open surgery.
Laser disk decompression
Another treatment takes some of the fluid out of the disk that is causing pain. Laser treatments have been used to deflate a disk somewhat. This is a minimally invasive procedure. The doctor inserts an optical fiber into the disk. The heat created takes out a small amount of the center of the disk. The heat may reduce pain by affecting the chemical structure in the disk.
Risks of the procedures
Like any surgery, these procedures carry some risks:
The first-line treatment for degenerative disk disease is conservative care. This may mean a course of anti-inflammatory drugs or other pain medicines, physical therapy, exercise, and behavior modification. Many cases of lower back pain go away on their own with time, but some need further attention.