If you are one of the millions of Americans suffering from back pain, you're not alone. As many as eight out of ten Americans suffer recurrent back pain due to injury or arthritis. Fortunately, recent advances in medical technology have led to new and effective treatment methods that can help patients return to pain-free, normal living.

Many patients have experienced excellent results from a relatively new therapy called SpineCATH™ IDET™. The technique, now available at The Pain Institute, was developed specifically for patients whose back pain results from disc abnormalities. IDET™, which stands for Intradiscal Electro Thermal Therapy, delivers precise levels of thermal energy (heat) through a catheter to the abnormal disc, which is the dense cartilage that lies between the bones of the spine. The heat causes significant changes in the collagen and nerves of a degenerative disc, actually changing the structure of the disc material. The disc fibers contract, which strengthens and tightens the surrounding ligaments. In addition, painful nerve endings and blood vessels are often eliminated, taking away the pain. A non-surgical alternative to disc surgery, the IDET procedure involves only light sedation and is done on an outpatient basis.

Research has shown that the IDET procedure offers outstanding results in relieving pain from sciatica, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and posterior facet syndrome. In addition to pain relief, many patients also enjoy improved mobility.