Intracept® Procedure
If you are experiencing chronic low back pain that has not responded to conservative treatments, you may be a candidate for the Intracept® Procedure. This innovative, minimally invasive treatment is specifically designed to target and alleviate a distinct type of chronic low back pain known as vertebrogenic pain. Discover how the Intracept Procedure offers a different approach to finding lasting relief.
What is Vertebrogenic Pain and how is it treated?
Vertebrogenic pain is a distinct type of chronic low back pain that arises from damaged and inflamed vertebral endplates, the tissue connecting spinal discs to the vertebral bodies. As these endplates experience wear and tear, they can stress and activate the basivertebral nerve (BVN) within the vertebrae, which then transmits pain signals to the brain. Patients often experience this pain in the middle of their lower back, commonly reporting that it worsens with activities like prolonged sitting, bending forward, or lifting. This type of pain is often associated with specific changes visible on an MRI scan known as Modic changes. Vertebrogenic pain can be treated by addressing the signals carried by the basivertebral nerve. The Intracept® Procedure is a treatment designed to relieve this pain by targeting the basivertebral nerve 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
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:
- Chronic low back pain for at least six months,
- Who have tried conservative care for at least six months, and
- Whose MRI shows features consistent with Modic changes – indicating damage at the vertebral endplates has led to inflammation.
The Intracept Procedure, as with any procedure, has risks that should be discussed between the patient and medical provider.
[1] 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.
2 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
3 Relievant data on file as of January 2023.
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To schedule an appointment or to find out more information, contact Spanish Hills Interventional Pain Specialists today.
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