Treatment of discogenic lower back pain follows a logical, phased course that attempts to reduce risk, cost, stress, inconvenience, and physical discomfort.

• The first phase is nonoperative treatment and involves measures such as bed rest, hot and cold compresses, pain medication, and physical therapy.
• If pain persists and a diagnostic workup suggests discogenic pain, minimally invasive procedures such as the IDET* procedure or disc nucleoplasty (also called disc decompression) may be considered.
• If none of the above provides sufficient relief from lower back pain, it may be appropriate to consider one of several types of surgery.

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

• Nonoperative Treatment
• Minimally Invasive Treatment
• Invasive Surgery