The present disclosure relates to methods of performing nucleoplasty
including the step of providing an elongated thermal or electromagnetic
probe having a proximal end, a distal end and having a guidable region
adjacent the distal end thereof. The method further includes the steps of
introducing the guidable region of the probe into a nucleus of an
intervertebral disc; activating the probe; increasing the amplitude of
the activated probe until an effect is obtained on a nervous system; and
noting the amplitude at which the effect on the nucleus is observed. The
method further includes the step of re-activating the probe to treat the
nucleus, wherein the probe is activateable up to the amplitude at which
the effect on the nervous system indicates that damage to critical nerve
tissue is avoided.