We understand that having a chronic back problem isn’t just about discomfort, but also about lost time and the impact it has on your happiness. Sometimes, if your problem is related to the intervertebral discs, you may need more than just therapy.
Are you looking for a solution to regain a sense of calmness without resorting to surgery? Then, you may have been looking for the solution to your problems in intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET). At University Pain and Spine Center, we use this innovative technology to help you get back to your regular life.
Understanding Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy
Intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET) is a relatively new approach to managing low back pain associated with intervertebral discs. This chronic pain is believed to result from the abnormal growth of nerve fibers from their normal position in the outer rings of a healthy disc into its inner portion.
Chronic pain can also result from a disc injury, where material from the inner part of a healthy disc, known as the nucleus, is displaced into the outer rings.
IDET is used to treat individuals who, despite non-surgical care, experience chronic low back pain for at least 3 to 6 months in most cases.
Treatment Plan: From Discography to Recovery
At University Pain and Spine Center, we simply want you to feel comfortable throughout this entire experience. We have developed a detailed treatment plan to help you with your chronic pain:
- Discography is usually performed before an IDET to determine the disc problem.
- After the discography, our specialists will determine if IDET is a viable treatment option to alleviate your disc problem.
- You will be given a sedative and local anesthetic before the procedure.
- Using real-time X-ray imaging, commonly known as fluoroscopy, the doctor inserts a hollow needle with a catheter containing a heater into the intervertebral disc.
- The catheter is positioned in a circle around the outer layer (annulus) of the disc and then slowly heated to approximately 194°F (90°C). The purpose of heat is to ablate, or destroy, the nerve fibers, hardening the disc material so that small tears can be sealed.
- Antibiotics are prescribed to prevent infection of the disc; this can be done by intravenous injection or directly onto the disc.
- Afterward, we will make sure you are monitored briefly, and then you can go home to recover.
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Why Choose Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy?
For patients with chronic pain, Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy offers many advantages:
Directly Targets the Affected Disc
IDET is a precise procedure that targets the affected disc directly, using gentle heat to strengthen it and reduce inflammation right on where the pain originates.
Faster Healing and Immediate Recovery
Because it’s an incision that is relatively small, compared to conventional surgery, your recovery time can be significantly shorter.
Reduce Dependence on Medication
One of the greatest benefits for our patients is the ability to minimize their use of painkillers. This positively reflects a reduced dependence on medication.
Spinal Strengthening
This treatment strengthens the spine, correcting the disc problem to prevent its recurrence. It’s not just about pain relief.
What to Expect Post-Procedure
The pain relief effect of IDET is not immediate. Pain may briefly increase. Therefore, physical therapy may also be necessary as part of your recovery.
For the first month after IDET, you will need to walk and perform simple stretches as directed by your doctor. For the first 2 to 3 months, you will need to exercise as directed and lifting heavy objects, bending over, and sitting down.
Generally, patients who have undergone IDET are advised to wait at least 5 to 6 months before engaging in strenuous activities like skiing, running, or playing tennis.
Don’t Face Chronic Pain Alone
Living with chronic pain doesn’t mean you have to face it alone. Our physiatrists and pain management experts in Somerset, Monroe, Ewing, Bloomfield and Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, are devoted to helping patients find pain relief and regain control of their everyday
lives. We prioritize patient-centered values.
Ready to find out if IDET is right for you? We’re ready to talk to you. Call us at 732-873-6868 or request an appointment. Take the first step toward a more active, pain-free life by discovering if IDET can provide the relief you’re looking for.