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Call Us: (530) 247-3733

Call Us: (530) 247-3733

Intracept®

A minimally invasive and non-surgical procedure for management of chronic pain.

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.

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.

Normal Disc

Degeneration

Endplate Damage

Inflamation

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.

How does the Intracept® Procedure Work?

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 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.

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.

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