Intracept Procedure
What Is Vertebrogenic Pain?
Vertebrogenic pain is a specific form of chronic low back pain that stems from damage to the vertebral endplates—the thin layers of tissue that cover the top and bottom of each vertebra and separate it from the spinal discs. Over time, normal wear and tear and disc degeneration place stress on these endplates, causing damage and inflammation. This inflammation activates the basivertebral nerve (BVN), which runs inside the vertebrae and transmits pain signals from the affected endplates to the brain.
How Do Patients Describe Vertebrogenic Pain?
Patients with vertebrogenic pain often report a deep, aching pain in the center of the lower back. This pain tends to worsen with physical activity, long periods of sitting, bending forward, or lifting. Although both discs and endplates can cause similar symptoms due to their location in the front (anterior) portion of the spine, vertebrogenic pain is specifically associated with Modic changes—visible signs of endplate damage seen on routine MRI scans. Many individuals who benefit from the Intracept Procedure describe this consistent pattern of pain. 1
How Does the Intracept Procedure Work?
Designed to be minimally invasive and implant-free, the Intracept® Procedure preserves the integrity of the spine while treating chronic low back pain. It’s performed as a same-day outpatient procedure under anesthesia and usually takes around one hour. The procedure is FDA-cleared and has demonstrated safety, effectiveness, and long-term relief across several clinical studies. 2,3
How Long Does Relief Last Following the Intracept Procedure?
Research has shown that the Intracept® Procedure provides long-lasting relief, with most patients reporting significant pain reduction and improved mobility within three months. These positive results have been proven to persist for over five years after a single procedure. 2
Who Qualifies for the Intracept Procedure?
The Intracept® Procedure is typically recommended for individuals who have suffered from persistent low back pain for at least six months, have not found relief with non-surgical treatments, and whose MRI scans reveal Modic changes—evidence of vertebral endplate inflammation. Patients should talk with their medical provider to determine if the procedure is appropriate and to understand any associated risks.
[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.
