Chronic low back pain can be exhausting, limiting your ability to work, exercise, and enjoy everyday life. For many people, the pain persists despite months or even years of physical therapy, medications, or injections. When conservative treatments fail, patients often assume surgery is the only remaining option. However, advances in spine care have introduced minimally invasive alternatives that target pain at its source.
At Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians, the Intracept Procedure is offered as an innovative option for patients suffering from a specific type of chronic back pain known as vertebrogenic pain.
Understanding Vertebrogenic Back Pain
Not all back pain is the same. Vertebrogenic pain originates from the vertebral bodies themselves rather than discs, muscles, or joints. This type of pain is closely associated with degeneration inside the vertebrae and is often identified on MRI by the presence of Modic changes.
Studies estimate that vertebrogenic pain may account for up to 40% of chronic low back pain cases, yet it is frequently underdiagnosed. Because it does not respond well to traditional treatments, many patients live with pain longer than necessary.
What Is the Intracept Procedure?
The Intracept Procedure is a minimally invasive, image-guided treatment designed specifically to relieve vertebrogenic pain. It works by targeting the basivertebral nerve, which transmits pain signals from the vertebrae to the brain.
By ablating, or deactivating, this nerve, the procedure interrupts the pain signal at its source. This approach does not rely on masking symptoms but instead addresses the underlying cause of pain transmission.
How the Procedure Is Performed
The Intracept Procedure is performed through a small incision using specialized instruments and real-time imaging for accuracy. Because the approach is highly targeted, surrounding muscles and tissues are preserved.
Key features of the procedure include:
- Small incisions with minimal tissue disruption
- Precise targeting of the basivertebral nerve
- No implants or hardware left behind
The procedure is typically completed in under two hours.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
The Intracept Procedure is not for every type of back pain, but it can be life-changing for the right patients. It is generally recommended for individuals who:
- Have chronic low back pain lasting six months or longer
- Have not achieved relief with physical therapy, medications, or injections
- Have vertebrogenic pain confirmed by MRI showing Modic changes
A thorough evaluation ensures that the pain source is correctly identified before treatment.
Effectiveness and Pain Relief Outcomes
Clinical studies have shown promising results for the Intracept Procedure. Research published in peer-reviewed journals demonstrates significant and sustained pain reduction, with many patients reporting meaningful improvement in pain and function for years following treatment.
Patients often experience:
- Reduced pain intensity
- Improved mobility and activity tolerance
- Better quality of life
Many also report a decreased reliance on pain medications, including opioids.
Recovery and Return to Activity
One of the most appealing aspects of the Intracept Procedure is the recovery timeline. Because it is minimally invasive, most patients return to daily activities within a few days.
Post-procedure discomfort is typically mild and temporary. There is no lengthy rehabilitation process, and patients are often able to resume light activity quickly under medical guidance.
A Modern Option for Chronic Back Pain
Chronic low back pain affects nearly 20% of adults in the United States, making it one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. For patients with vertebrogenic pain, the Intracept Procedure offers a targeted, evidence-based alternative to long-term medication use or major surgery.
Specialized Spine Care You Can Trust
Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians provides advanced spine care across multiple locations nationwide, focusing on accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment. By offering cutting-edge treatments like the Intracept Procedure, the practice helps patients access modern solutions designed to restore function and reduce pain.
If chronic low back pain has limited your life and conservative treatments have failed, the Intracept Procedure may offer the relief you have been searching for. A comprehensive evaluation can determine whether this minimally invasive option is right for you and help you move forward with confidence. Contact a Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians location near you to schedule your consultation to see if the Intracept Procedure is right for you.
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