Intradiscal Procedures: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Intradiscal Procedures?
Intradiscal procedures are done by pain medicine doctors, physiatrists, or spine surgeons. A primary care doctor often refers patients when back pain comes from a damaged disc and does not improve with simpler treatments. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
An intradiscal procedure is a treatment done inside an intervertebral disc, the soft cushion between the bones of your spine. Discs can wear down, bulge, or tear over time and cause pain. A thin needle is placed into the disc to treat the problem area. Some procedures remove a small piece of disc tissue; others use heat, called radiofrequency ablation, to shrink or seal tissue; still others inject substances meant to help the disc.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Doctors usually suggest these procedures when pain has lasted for months and has not improved with rest, physical therapy, or medicines. Imaging tests, such as an MRI, may show a disc problem that matches the pain. Sometimes a discography test is done first, injecting dye into a disc to see if it is the pain source.
How to prepare
- Ask which medicines to stop, especially blood thinners.
- Tell your care team about any allergies.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home.
- Ask whether you should avoid eating or drinking beforehand.
What happens during it
Most procedures are done in a clinic or hospital. You may get a mild sedative, and the skin over your spine is numbed. Using X-ray guidance, the doctor places a thin needle into the disc and performs the treatment. The procedure often takes less than an hour, and you usually go home the same day.
Recovery
Most people go home within a few hours. The treated area may be sore for a few days, and heavy lifting is limited for a short time. Many people return to normal activities within days to weeks. Pain relief may take several weeks, and some people get little or no relief.
Risks and side effects
Serious problems are uncommon but can happen. Possible risks include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, and lasting soreness. There is also a chance the procedure will not reduce your pain.
Who performs it
These procedures are performed by pain management doctors, physiatrists, or spine surgeons, depending on the type of procedure and the cause of your pain.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance; a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either type can manage back pain from the start, ordering imaging, arranging physical therapy, and prescribing medicines. When pain does not improve, they refer you to a specialist for procedures like these.
Common questions
Is the procedure painful?
The skin is numbed before the needle is placed, so most people feel pressure rather than sharp pain. Some soreness afterward is common and usually fades within days.
Will it cure my back pain?
No procedure can promise a cure. Some people get meaningful relief, while others get partial relief or none at all.
How soon can I go back to work?
Many people return within a few days, but this depends on your job and how you feel. Ask your doctor for guidance based on your own recovery.
Do I need surgery afterward?
Not always. Some people do well after an intradiscal procedure alone, while others later need more treatment.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
