This is an exciting new area. Rather than remove the disc we now have the option to try to repair it or deaden the nerves on the inside to decrease the pain. Richard Derby, MD and Dr. Mathews perfected a technique adding Dextrose, Glucosamine, Chondroitin and other factors to stimulate healing. We now have platelet rich plasma, stem cells, and other growth factors to stimulate healing. Radiofrequency heat energy can also be used to stimulate collagen healing and deaden painful nerves ingrown into the disc.