The present disclosure is directed to methods for relieving pain associated with an intervertebral disc having a disc nucleus pulposus and an outer annulus fibrosus surrounding the nucleus pulposus. The method includes the steps of providing an elongated thermal or electromagnetic probe member having a flexible guidable region adjacent the distal end thereof; introducing the flexible guidable region of the probe into the annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc; and supplying thermal or electromagnetic energy, from an energy source, to heat or induce an electromagnetic field adjacent to the annulus fibrosus sufficient to produce a thermal or electromagnetic effect on the intervertebral disc. The flexible guidable region of the probe may be introduced at a location which is in relative close proximity to the region of intervertebral disc to be thermally or electromagnetically treated.