Orthopedic Surgeons Use Heat, Electricity to Treat Herniated Discs
October 1, 2003
Orthopedic surgeons have developed a non-surgical treatment for herniated discs. Discs are soft, rubbery pads found between each vertebra in the spine. A herniated disc develops when part of the disc swells, and bulges out, putting pressure on nerves. In electrothermal disc compression, a spine specialist uses X-rays to guide a catheter into the protruding disc. The heat causes the bulging part of the disc to shrink. This takes pressure off the nerves and reduces pain.
