Disc FX® is a minimally invasive spine procedure designed to treat contained lumbar disc herniations and disc protrusions that cause low back pain and pain traveling down the leg (sciatica). These disc problems occur when the disc bulges or presses on nearby nerves without fully rupturing.
Using advanced technology developed by Elliquence, the Disc FX® procedure allows the physician to reduce disc pressure and shrink disc material through a very small incision—often avoiding the need for a traditional open discectomy.
How the Disc FX® Procedure Works
The Disc FX® procedure is performed in an operating room setting under strict sterile conditions. Using real-time fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, a small access needle is placed directly into the affected disc.
Through this tiny access point, specialized Elliquence instruments are used to:
- Remove a small amount of disc material
- Reduce pressure within the disc
- Decompress irritated spinal nerves
By lowering internal disc pressure, the disc bulge may retract away from the nerve, helping to relieve back pain, leg pain, numbness, and tingling while preserving normal spinal anatomy.
A Minimally Invasive Alternative to Traditional Discectomy
Many patients with disc herniations start with conservative care such as physical therapy and epidural steroid injections. While injections can reduce inflammation, they do not physically reduce disc size.
Disc FX® may be considered when:
- Injection therapy has failed or provided limited relief
- The disc herniation is contained (not ruptured)
- Symptoms are affecting daily activities and quality of life
- A patient wants to avoid major spine surgery
For properly selected patients, Disc FX® can be an effective middle ground between injections and open surgery.
Small Incision. Minimal Pain. Faster Recovery.
Disc FX® is designed to be tissue-sparing and minimally disruptive. Because the procedure uses a very small incision:
- Muscle and bone are preserved
- Post-procedure pain is typically minimal
- Recovery time is significantly shorter than open surgery
Most patients go home the same day and return to light activity relatively quickly, following physician guidance.
Physician Expertise and Advanced Training
At Interventional Pain Specialists of Wisconsin, the Disc FX® procedure is performed by double-board-certified physicians in Anesthesiology and Interventional Pain Medicine with advanced spine training.
In addition, our physicians have completed specialty, hands-on training for Disc FX® at Elliquence’s world headquarters in Boca Raton, Florida. This training provides in-depth experience with:
- Proper patient selection
- Disc anatomy and pathology
- Elliquence Disc FX® instrumentation
- Safe and precise procedural technique
This level of specialized training is not widely available and allows us to offer Disc FX® with a high level of precision and confidence.
Who May Be a Candidate for Disc FX®?
Disc FX® may be appropriate for patients with:
- Contained lumbar disc herniations or protrusions
- Low back pain with associated leg pain (sciatica)
- MRI findings consistent with disc-related nerve irritation
- Limited response to injections or conservative therapy
- A desire to avoid open spine surgery
A comprehensive evaluation and imaging review are essential to determine candidacy.
Why Choose Disc FX® at Interventional Pain Specialists of Wisconsin?
- Minimally invasive outpatient procedure
- Treats contained disc herniations
- Very small incision with minimal tissue disruption
- Less pain and faster recovery than open discectomy
- Performed in an operating room with fluoroscopic guidance
- Specialty-trained at Elliquence headquarters
- Performed by double-board-certified spine specialists
Is Disc FX® Right for You?
If a disc herniation is causing ongoing back and leg pain—and injections are no longer effective—the Disc FX® procedure may be a minimally invasive solution that helps relieve nerve pressure without major surgery. During your consultation, we will review your MRI, discuss your symptoms, and determine whether Disc FX® or another treatment option is best for your condition.
When disc pain interferes with your life, Disc FX® offers a precise, minimally invasive option—backed by advanced training and experience.