The primary goal of Intracept is to provide long-term relief from vertebrogenic pain by disrupting pain transmission from the basivertebral nerve. Unlike traditional treatments that focus on managing symptoms, Intracept targets the nerve responsible for chronic low back pain, preventing it from sending pain signals to the brain.
This procedure is ideal for patients who have not responded to conservative treatments, such as medications, physical therapy, or injections, and are looking for a minimally invasive alternative to more aggressive surgical options. By preserving spinal stability and avoiding implants, Intracept allows patients to maintain normal spinal function while significantly improving pain and mobility.
While Intracept is an effective treatment for vertebrogenic low back pain, it is not suitable for all types of back pain. The procedure is specifically designed for patients with pain caused by Modic changes and basivertebral nerve irritation. It may not be effective for conditions like:
Additionally, while pain relief is long-lasting, some patients may still experience residual or partial pain from other spinal structures, requiring additional treatments.
Although Intracept is a low-risk procedure, like any medical treatment, there are some potential complications. These include:
Despite these risks, Intracept is considered a highly safe procedure with a very low rate of complications compared to traditional spinal surgeries.
The Intracept Procedure is performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia and typically takes less than an hour. The steps include:
Intracept is one of several minimally invasive treatments for chronic low back pain. Depending on the cause of pain, other options include:
For patients specifically suffering from vertebrogenic low back pain, Intracept remains the most direct, long-term solution that addresses pain at its neurological source.
Kyphoplasty is most effective for acute or subacute compression fractures, meaning fractures that are relatively recent and still causing pain. Some of the common types include:
The type and severity of the fracture determine whether kyphoplasty or another treatment approach is best.