Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy (IDET) for Low Back Pain

Surgery Overview

Intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET) is a treatment for chronic low back pain. Your doctor may suggest IDET if they think the pain in your back is coming from the disc itself. Your doctor may also suggest IDET if other treatments have not helped. There is no strong evidence that IDET works for most people.

Before an IDET procedure, you are given medicine to help you relax, and you will be numb. A doctor inserts a hollow needle and heating element into the disc. The heat is meant to destroy the nerve fibers that may be causing pain and toughen the disc tissue, sealing any small tears.

Credits

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.