Intradiskal electrothermal therapy (IDET) is a new treatment for disk problems. This option isn’t for every body. Since it’s fairly new (it was first used for disks in 2000), doctors advise caution until further studies are done.

Right now, researchers suggest its use for patients with chronic low back pain from disk disease. This means the disk has worn away or been damaged from aging or injury. The pain has been present and unchanged by other treatment for more than three months.

You may not be a good candidate if you’ve had back surgery before. Likewise, pregnant women are not treated with IDET. Patients with other back problems such as stenosis or scoliosis aren’t accepted yet for this treatment. IDET is not advised for anyone with other serious health issues or medical conditions.