Options for treating lower back pain follow a logical progression that minimizes risk, stress, inconvenience, physical discomfort and cost to the patient:

• The first phase is non-operative treatment, involving such measures as the external application of hot and cold compresses, bed rest, exercise, pain medication and spinal manipulation.

• If pain persists, and the diagnostic workup suggests discogenic pain, minimally invasive percutaneous interventions such as the IDET^◊ procedure or disc nucleoplasty (decompression) may be considered.

• Finally, if pain persists despite conventional therapy and minimally invasive intervention, a frank discussion with the patient about discectomy, spinal fusion or disc replacement is warranted.

For more specific information about treating discogenic lower back pain, please review the following resources: