Chronic lower back pain can be debilitating, affecting millions of people worldwide. Traditional treatments, such as physical therapy, medication, and surgery, don’t always provide lasting relief. However, a new and innovative approach—Intracept—is offering hope for those suffering from vertebrogenic lower back pain.
What Is Intracept?
Intracept is a minimally invasive procedure designed to alleviate chronic lower back pain by targeting the basivertebral nerve (BVN). This nerve transmits pain signals from the vertebral endplates, which can become irritated due to degenerative changes. The Intracept procedure works by using radiofrequency energy to ablate the BVN, effectively disrupting pain transmission and providing long-term relief.
How Does the Intracept Procedure Work?
The Intracept procedure involves a few key steps:
Patient Selection – Not all back pain sufferers are candidates for Intracept. The procedure is specifically designed for individuals diagnosed with vertebrogenic pain, confirmed via MRI.
Minimally Invasive Approach – The procedure is performed under fluoroscopic guidance, requiring only a small incision.
Radiofrequency Ablation – A specialized probe delivers controlled radiofrequency energy to heat and disable the basivertebral nerve.
Recovery and Relief – Because it is minimally invasive, patients typically experience a short recovery time and significant pain reduction within weeks.
Benefits of Intracept
Long-Term Pain Relief – Clinical studies have shown that patients experience sustained pain relief for at least five years post-procedure.
Minimally Invasive – Unlike spinal fusion or other surgical interventions, Intracept requires no implants or structural modifications to the spine.
Quick Recovery – Most patients return to daily activities within a few days to weeks.
Opioid-Free Pain Management – By addressing the root cause of pain, Intracept reduces dependency on pain medications.
Who Can Benefit from Intracept?
The best candidates for Intracept are individuals who:
Have chronic lower back pain lasting six months or more.
Have MRI-confirmed Modic Type 1 or 2 endplate changes, indicative of vertebrogenic pain.
Have not found relief with conservative treatments like physical therapy or injections.
Final Thoughts
Intracept represents a promising advancement in pain management for those suffering from vertebrogenic lower back pain. As research continues to validate its effectiveness, more patients may find relief through this innovative procedure. If you or someone you know is struggling with chronic lower back pain, contact our team at Parkview Pain and Regenerative Institute.
For more information, visit the Boston Scientific Intracept site.