Pain in Right Side and Back

In his late 50s, James began having what he described as “pain in right side and back.”

For the nearly 2 million people with chronic lower back pain who have failed to respond to non-operative treatments such as physical therapy, medication and spinal injections, and who do not want to go to the extreme of fusion surgery, a minimally invasive procedure called the Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy (IDET) procedure may offer an alternative.

This procedure uses controlled heat to modify tissue in the disc wall and is performed on an outpatient basis, taking approximately 40 minutes from start to finish. This could be a viable alternative if you are suffering from persistent and virtually unbearable ache.

“Similar to a radial tire that wears down over time, cracks or fissures-due to age or injury-may develop in the wall of the intervertebral disc, causing pain,” Dr. Gunnar Andersson said. “The IDET procedure works by raising the temperature of the disc wall. The heat contracts and thickens the collagen fibers within the disc wall, potentially closing the cracks and tears, and cauterizing the nerve endings that cause pain.”

While simply growing older is a risk factor for potential back problems, those with sedentary lifestyles, those using improper or incorrect body mechanics during exercise or sports, and those working in a high-risk occupation that requires heavy lifting are also susceptible to lower back ache.

James’ “pain in right side and back” was probably caused by a combination of aging and heavy lifting associated with his job.

For individuals seeking to maintain a healthy back, there are steps they can take to lessen the burden on discs and vertebrae:

• Use correct posture during sitting, standing and walking to minimize unwanted stress on the spine.

• Incorporate regular stretching, aerobic activities and strengthening of the abdominal muscles into your lifestyle.

• Practice proper body mechanics when bending, lifting or carrying items.

For the millions of people suffering from chronic lower-back pain, the IDET procedure offers a new minimally invasive approach to treatment.

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