5 IDET studies are limited, with most information being provided by the manufacturer. Three studies averaging 33 patients each, performed follow-up patient satisfaction surveys at 6 months. 7 Similar results have been reported when multiple lumbar disc procedures were performed. The studies showed that the most noticeable improvement occurred in the 3 to 6 months period. The discogram test injects a dye into the center of the disc suspected of causing pain and applies pressure to its annular ring.
Pressure is applied to the weak disc until pain is felt.
An indication of the disc condition can be determined from the amount of pressure used. Much discomfort will be felt during this procedure. Therefore, it is used only as final proof that the lower back pain is being caused by a degenerative disc. After IDET, back pain may increase because of the procedure. If patients have increased pain, inactivity and medication are required the first few weeks.