At Vertex Pain Physicians, our specialists offer the Intracept® Procedure to ease Vertebrogenic pain, a type of chronic lower back pain. This safe and effective procedure is minimally invasive, implant free, and preserves the overall structure of the spine.
What is Vertebrogenic Pain?
Vertebrogenic pain is a distinct type of chronic low back pain caused by damage to vertebral endplates, the tissue that covers the top and the bottom of each vertebral body and separates it from the disc.
Disc degeneration, and the wear and tear that occurs with everyday living, produces stresses on the endplates that damage them, leading to inflammation and vertebrogenic pain. The basivertebral nerve (BVN), found within the vertebrae, carries pain signals from the inflamed endplates to the brain.
How Do Patients Describe Vertebrogenic Pain?
The disc and endplate are both part of the anterior spinal column and produce similar low back pain symptoms. However, endplate pain is associated with distinctive changes on routine MRI called Modic changes. Patients who find relief from the Intracept Procedure often describe pain in the middle of their low back that is made worse by physical activity, prolonged sitting, and bending forward or with bending and lifting.1
How is Vertebrogenic Pain Treated?
The basivertebral nerve (BVN) enters the bone at the back of the vertebral body (the bones in your spine) and “branches” to the endplates (that are located at the top and the bottom of each vertebral body).
When endplates are damaged, these nerve endings increase in number and “pick up” pain signals that are then sent to the brain through the BVN. The Intracept® Procedure relieves vertebrogenic pain by heating the basivertebral nerve (BVN) with a radiofrequency probe to stop it from sending pain signals to the brain.
How does the Intracept® Procedure Work?
The Intracept Procedure is a minimally invasive, implant free procedure that preserves the overall structure of the spine. The Intracept Procedure is a same-day, outpatient procedure. Patients are under anesthesia, and the procedure generally lasts an hour. The procedure is FDA-cleared and is proven in multiple studies to be safe, effective, and durable. 2,3
The Procedure in Four Steps
Step 1 — The assembly is advanced through the pedicle.
Step 2 — Assembly is used to create a channel.
Step 3 — Probe is placed at the trunk of the basivertebral nerve.
Step 4 — Radiofrequency energy ablates the basivertebral nerve.
How Long Does Pain Relief Last following the Intracept® Procedure?
Clinical evidence demonstrates the majority of patients experience significant improvements in function and pain 3-months post procedure that are sustained more than 5 years after a single treatment.2
How Do I Know If I’m a Candidate for Intracept®?
The Intracept® Procedure is indicated for patients who have had:
- An MRI showing features consistent with Modic changes – indicating damage at the vertebral endplates has led to inflammation.
- Chronic low back pain for at least six months
- Conservative care for at least six months
The Intracept Procedure, as with any procedure, has risks that should be discussed between the patient and medical provider.
Get Relief From Your Lower Back Pain
If you are suffering from chronic lower back pain and believe the Intracept® Procedure may help, contact Vertex Pain Physicians today. Our expert team is here to help you find relief from back pain. We are here to help you get back to a more comfortable pain-free life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of the Intracept Procedure?
The Intracept Procedure has been proven to reduce pain and improve activity in most people with vertebrogenic back pain. Studies show the effectiveness and safety of the Intracept Procedure.65% of patients reported 50% improvement in their pain following the treatment. Additionally, a majority of patients reported an improvement in their ability to return to daily activities.
What to expect during the procedure?
The procedure is done in an outpatient setting. Once the patient is under anesthesia, a small incision is made in the low back using specialized instrumentation to reach the vertebra where the patient is experiencing pain. The procedure typically takes about an hour, and patients go home the same day. There are no implants or hardware left behind like some other procedures, and the Intracept Procedure also preserves the overall structure of the spine.
Most patients experience some soreness for a few days following the procedure. Recovery times are unique to each person based on lifestyle and medical history. Most people can return to daily activities within 1-2 weeks of the Intracept Procedure.
What are the risks and side effects of the Intracept Procedure?
As with any medical procedure, there are risks, but the Intracept Procedure has an impressive safety profile. We always recommend patients speak to their doctor about both the benefits of a procedure and the risks for their specific case.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any medical concerns.
Citations:
- Koreckij T, Kreiner S, Khalil JG, Smuck M, Markman J, Garfin S. Prospective, randomized, multicenter study of intraosseous basivertebral nerve ablation for the treatment of chronic low back pain: 24-month treatment arm results. NASSJ. Published online October 26, 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xnsj.2021.100089.
- Fischgrund J, Rhyne A, Macadaeg K, et al. Long-term outcomes following intraosseous basivertebral nerve ablation for the treatment of chronic low back pain: 5-year treatment arm results from a prospective randomized double-blind sham-controlled multi-center study. Eur Spine J. 2020;29(8):1925-34. doi.org/10.1007/s00586-020-06448-x
- Relievant data on file as of January 2023.
