Treatment of chronic discogenic low back pain with intradiskal electrothermal therapy

The treatment of chronic, nonradicular, discogenic low back pain remains controversial. The posterior anulus fibrosus appears to be a potential site of origin of the pain, which is mediated by nociceptors in the inner layers of the anulus. Diagnosis requires a thorough history, physical examination, and imaging protocol; provocative diskography is key. Nonsurgical treatment options have been limited to physical therapy and pharmacotherapy. Success rates of spinal fusion range from 39% to 96%. Reported therapeutic success rates of intradiskal electrothermal therapy, a possible intermediate treatment, range from 60% to 80%. Despite this apparent therapeutic effect, however, a more precise quantification of clinical benefits remains to be proved in randomized prospective trials.