Disc biacuplasty

**madhen** · 12-02-2009, 12:09 AM

Anyone had it? My doctor is talking about it, and it sounds a little freaky to me, although he says it is minimally invasive and has few side effects (except, perhaps, not working).

Basically, the way it is explained to me, they use RF waves to heat and kill nerve endings in your spine. These nerve endings may or may not grow back after treatment, but by removing them, they remove the pain.

Would be interested in knowing if anyone has done this. Probably don't want to know how painful it was.

**Palooka** · 12-02-2009, 03:47 PM

I've never heard of it but wish you luck. Back pain stinks as I deal with it.

**PrairieRose** · 12-03-2009, 10:31 PM

I've never heard of it but have had 'regular' disc repair surgery. I've got a little bit of nerve damage from when my disc ruptured so I'd be interested in knowing if when they do this is there a chance for nerve damage.....for me it causes me to having an intense squeeze around my left ankle and my foot will drop (usually only flares up when I'm extremely exhausted or have over done it with lifting and moving things). If there is none, I might be inclined to have this procedure done (before doing the other repair if given the choice).

**madhen** · 12-03-2009, 11:02 PM

Apparently, the purpose of the procedure is to destroy nerves, but they target the ones in the injured area.

**ladytoysdream** · 12-04-2009, 06:18 AM

Not familiar with the procedure no.

I have 2 bulging discs in my lower back. The emergercy doctor a few years back thought I needed surgery that same day. After the MRI came back and he saw it was 2 bulging discs they let me go home, but warned me to keep close tabs on the situation. I have to be careful what I lift and how I lift it. If I over do, I am the first to know about it. I really don't want surgery anytime soon. If my legs start to go numb again like that emergeny room day, I know I am in BIG trouble.

I was talking to a fellow the other day in a store, and he told me, he had neck surgery to fix a problem. Now he has a new problem because of it. His fingers on both hands curl up. That spooked me, let me tell you.

**Mummy2** · 12-04-2009, 09:08 AM

My Mum had 2 disks in her neck remmoved and the vertibrae (sp) fused, lost 30% range of motion in her neck. 3 weeks ago she fell at work and is having the burning numbing pain again. I am interested to hear what you find out and if you do this procedure. I'm off to google it.

**PrairieRose** · 12-04-2009, 09:36 AM

I'm comfused as to how this helps the real problem which is pressure on the spinal cord.....caused by disc rupture or slippage....??? Would this not be more of a band aid than a fix? Maybe I'm not understanding it correctly.

**madhen** · 12-04-2009, 09:45 AM

It is kind of a long-term band-aid. It destroys the nerves in the damaged area (along the facets), which means your pain goes away. But the nerves can grow back, sometimes in several months, sometimes in a year or more, which means your pain could come back. SOMETIMES, but not always, the nerve endings don't grow back, which means it would be a permanent fix.

**dane** · 05-12-2010, 12:53 PM

I had this procedure done two weeks ago today. Like most medical procedures it is basically about masking the pain rather then a permanent fix. This was basically the last hope that I had to remain on active duty in the military, so I didn't really look into it all that much. Anyways, I feel pain still, but it seems to be lower levels than what it was before the procedure. I'm just not sure that I can go 6 weeks without working to try and get back in shape and to try to strengthen my back.

**Ceashels** · 05-12-2010, 02:14 PM

I just wanted to share:

My Mom recently had a total knee replacement and did well with the surgery with the exception of one thing... it aggravated her degenerative disc disease.

She underwent a CT scan and x rays that revealed a herniated disc and multiple levels of degeneration in her lumbar spine. Her pain specialist referred her to a Physical Therapist that was certified through the McKenzie Institute for MDT (Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment). My Mom's pain level significantly decreased by at least 1-2 numbers on a 0-10 pain scale with each visit (two times a week). She has finally been able to drive again now that the back pain is reduced.

If you are contemplating surgery you may want to see if there is a PT Spine specialist in your area. The evaluation and treatment are not invasive and did amazing things for my Mom. It might help.

Keep in mind that not everyone has the same back issues and some diagnoses do not respond to conservative treatment.