What is the Intracept Procedure?

The Intracept Procedure (Basivertebral Nerve Ablation) is a minimally invasive, FDA-cleared outpatient treatment for chronic vertebrogenic low back pain. Using a radiofrequency probe guided by fluoroscopic imaging, physicians apply controlled heat to the basivertebral nerve inside the vertebral endplate—disrupting its ability to transmit pain signals without the need for spinal fusion or implanted hardware.

What is vertebrogenic pain?

Vertebrogenic pain originates from damage or inflammation to the vertebral endplates—the layer of bone and cartilage between the spinal disc and the vertebral body. This activates the basivertebral nerve and produces a deep, aching low back pain that often worsens with sitting or bending forward. It is frequently associated with degenerative disc disease or disc herniation and may appear on MRI as Modic Type 1 or Type 2 changes.

Who is a candidate for the Intracept Procedure?

You may be a candidate for Intracept if you have chronic low back pain lasting six or more months that has not responded to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, injections, or medications; your MRI shows Modic Type 1 or Type 2 changes; and your pain is localized to the lower back without radiating into the legs. A consultation with the board-certified, fellowship-trained physiatrists and pain management physicians at Desert Spine and Sports Physicians can help determine whether this procedure is appropriate for you.

How long does the Intracept Procedure take?

The Intracept Procedure is an outpatient procedure that typically takes less than one hour. It is performed using local anesthesia, with the option for light IV sedation. Patients return home the same day.

What is recovery like after Intracept?

Recovery is generally quick. Most patients resume light activity within a few days and return to regular routines within one to two weeks. Some mild post-procedural soreness may occur but typically resolves quickly. Many patients report noticeable pain relief within a few weeks, with continued improvement over several months.

How long does pain relief from Intracept last?

Clinical studies show that the Intracept Procedure provides significant and sustained long-term pain reduction. Because the procedure targets the underlying source of vertebrogenic pain rather than masking symptoms, many patients experience durable relief and a reduced reliance on pain medications, including opioids.

Does Intracept require surgery or implants?

No. The Intracept Procedure is minimally invasive and performed through a small incision. It does not involve spinal fusion, implanted hardware, or an extended hospital stay. The procedure preserves spinal anatomy and function.

Where can I receive the Intracept Procedure in Arizona?

The Intracept Procedure is available at Desert Spine and Sports Physicians, an Intracept Center of Excellence serving the greater Phoenix metro area. Locations include Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Peoria, and North Phoenix. To schedule a consultation, visit desertspineandsports.com or call our offices directly.

ReActiv8® Neurostimulation for Chronic Back Pain in Phoenix, AZ

ReActiv8® is an FDA-approved restorative neurostimulation therapy designed for certain patients with chronic low back pain associated with multifidus muscle dysfunction. Rather than simply masking pain, the therapy is designed to help restore neuromuscular control and improve spinal stability over time. Rather than simply masking pain, this treatment offered at Desert Spine and Sports Physicians targets the source of pain for chronic low back pain relief.

What is ReActiv8?

ReActiv8 is a small implantable neurostimulation system that delivers electrical signals to the nerves responsible for activating the multifidus—the muscles that help stabilize the lower spine. Therapy is typically performed at home twice daily for 30 minutes. ReActiv8 is designed to address an underlying source of chronic low back pain by restoring neuromuscular control of the multifidus muscle, helping the spine regain stability and function over time.

The Benefits of ReActiv8

Addresses underlying multifidus muscle dysfunction rather than only masking pain
Designed to improve pain and function progressively over time
Minimally invasive and reversible
Does not structurally alter the spine
Patient-controlled therapy performed at home

Conditions Commonly Treated with ReActiv8

ReActiv8 is designed for chronic mechanical low back pain associated with multifidus muscle dysfunction, particularly when symptoms have persisted despite treatments such as physical therapy, medications or spinal injections.

What to Expect During a ReActiv8 Procedure

During a minimally invasive outpatient procedure, two small leads are positioned near the nerves responsible for activating the multifidus muscles and connected to a small pulse generator implanted beneath the skin. The leads are placed outside the spinal canal.

ReActiv8 Recovery Timeline

ReActiv8 is designed to produce progressive improvement rather than immediate pain relief. Patients use the device for two 30-minute sessions each day as the therapy works to retrain and restore neuromuscular control of the multifidus over time..

Who is a Candidate for ReActiv8?

Our board-certified, fellowship-trained physiatrists and pain management physicians evaluate each patient individually to determine whether ReActiv8 may be an appropriate option. Potential candidates typically have chronic mechanical low back pain lasting six months or longer, have not experienced adequate lasting relief from conservative treatments, have back-dominant rather than primarily radiating leg pain, and have or are suspected of having multifidus dysfunction.

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ReActiv8® Restorative Neurostimulation for Chronic Low Back Pain