Biaculoplasty & Discography Procedures for Pain Management
Intradiscal Therapies
Treatment Overview
Intradiscal therapies address pain and dysfunction originating from within the intervertebral discs, the cushioning structures between the vertebrae in the spine. These therapies are designed to relieve pain, repair damaged discs and improve spinal function.
Intradiscal Therapy Types
Biaculoplasty
Biaculoplasty is a procedure aimed at alleviating pain from degenerative disc conditions. It involves the use of radiofrequency energy to heat and coagulate the disc tissue. This heating effect can reduce the pain by modifying the nerve endings within the disc and potentially shrinking the disc material. By targeting the nerve fibers that contribute to pain, biaculoplasty helps to relieve discomfort and improve spinal function.
Discography
Discography is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate disc-related pain. During this procedure, a contrast dye is injected into the intervertebral disc under fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance. The dye makes the disc visible on imaging studies, helping to identify any damage, herniation or degeneration within the disc. Discography is often used to confirm the source of pain and guide further treatment options by assessing how the disc responds to the injected dye.
Who Benefits from Intradiscal Therapies
Each intradiscal therapy addresses specific needs related to spinal disc issues, offering targeted relief based on individual needs. Here’s who benefits from these procedures:
- Individuals with Discogenic Pain: Those experiencing pain originating from the intervertebral discs, often due to degeneration or herniation.
- People with Chronic Back Pain: Especially when conventional treatments have been ineffective, and pain persists despite other therapies.
- Candidates for Minimally Invasive Options: Individuals seeking alternatives to more invasive surgeries who want to avoid extensive recovery times.
- Individuals Preparing for Further Treatment: Those who require a precise diagnosis to guide future interventions, such as surgery or targeted therapies.
- Candidates for Diagnostic Clarity: Individuals whose imaging studies are inconclusive and need additional information to accurately diagnose disc-related issues.
- Candidates for Disc Repair: People who need interventions to promote natural repair processes and improve disc structure.
What to Expect
- Preparation: Intradiscal therapies like Biaculoplasty and Discography are performed at our same-day surgery center. You’ll change into a surgical gown, and sedation or local anesthesia will be provided to ensure your comfort during the procedure.
- Procedure: Your provider will use advanced imaging technology to precisely guide a needle into the targeted intervertebral disc. Depending on the therapy, the procedure may involve heating the disc tissue with radiofrequency energy (Biaculoplasty) or injecting contrast dye for diagnostic purposes (Discography).
- Recovery: Following the procedure, you’ll be monitored briefly. Any mild discomfort can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
Insurance & Billing
Your eligibility for any procedure depends on the benefits outlined by your insurance provider, and our team at Nura will assist you with the authorization process.
Comprehensive Care
At Nura, we seamlessly integrate interventional procedures, physical therapy, psychological support and medications. Research shows that this comprehensive approach is the most effective way to manage chronic pain.
Find Pain Relief
Schedule an appointment with one of our pain specialists by filling out our appointment request form or giving us a call at 763-537-6000.
