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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 fibres that may be causing pain and toughen the disc tissue, sealing any small tears.
Current as of: July 31, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review BoardAll Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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Intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET) (Figure 1) 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.
IDET is a treatment for chronic low back pain related to a spinal disc.
A doctor inserts a hollow needle containing a thin, flexible tube (catheter) and heating element into the disc. The heat is meant to destroy the nerve fibres that may be causing pain and toughen the disc tissue, sealing any small tears.
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC StaffClinical Review BoardAll Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
