Intracept: Basivertebral Nerve Ablation

If you’re living with persistent, aching low back pain that doesn’t go away, no matter how many treatments you’ve tried, you’re not alone. For many, this pain is more than just uncomfortable; it’s life-altering. And when the source of that pain lies deep within the vertebral endplates of your spine, traditional therapies often fall short.

At Desert Spine and Sports Physicians, we understand the frustration and fatigue of chronic low back pain. But there is hope. The Intracept Procedure or Basivertebral Nerve Ablation is a minimally invasive, FDA-cleared treatment specifically designed to address vertebrogenic pain at its source.

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What is Vertebrogenic Pain?

The vertebral endplate is a layer of bone and cartilage that sits between the spinal disc and the central part of the spine bone. When this area becomes damaged or inflamed, it can trigger a nearby nerve called the basivertebral nerve, causing pain. This type of pain is often related to disc problems like degeneration or herniation, and it can show up on an MRI as certain changes called Modic changes.

People with this condition, known as vertebrogenic pain, often feel a deep, aching pain in their lower back that often worsens when sitting or bending forward.

What is Intracept?

The Intracept Procedure is a revolutionary outpatient back pain treatment that targets the basivertebral nerve—the nerve inside the vertebral endplate that transmits pain signals from damaged endplates. To perform this procedure, physicians apply controlled heat to the nerve using a specialized radiofrequency probe, effectively disrupting its ability to send pain signals.

The result? Relief that’s both significant and lasting, without the need for spinal fusion or implanted hardware.

The Benefits of Intracept

Unlike epidural steroid injections or traditional back surgeries that may only offer temporary or partial relief, the Intracept Procedure directly addresses the underlying cause of vertebrogenic pain. It provides a durable solution without altering the spine’s structure or requiring an extended hospital stay.

Other benefits of the Intracept Procedure include:

Minimally invasive: Performed through a small incision, with no implants or fusion.
Long-term pain relief: Clinical studies show significant and sustained pain reduction.
Outpatient procedure: Typically completed in under an hour.
Rapid recovery: Most patients return to regular activity within days and experience significant improvements within a few months.
No spinal instability: Preserves spinal anatomy and function.
Reduced reliance on medication: Many patients reduce or stop opioid use after the procedure.

Conditions Commonly Treated with Intracept

The Intracept Procedure is specifically designed to treat vertebrogenic pain stemming from degenerative disc disease and disc herniation. This pain is specifically caused by damage to the vertebral endplates—the interface between the spinal discs and the vertebral bones.

What to Expect During an Intracept Procedure

The Intracept Procedure is performed with local anesthesia, and some patients also use light IV sedation. Through a small incision made in the lower back, your physician will guide a radiofrequency probe to the basivertebral nerve within the affected vertebral endplate using fluoroscopic imaging. Once in place, the nerve is ablated—rendered unable to transmit pain signals.

The entire process usually takes less than an hour, and you can return home the same day.

Intracept Recovery Timeline

Recovery from Intracept is typically quick and straightforward. Most patients resume light activity within a few days and return to regular routines within one to two weeks. Some may experience mild post-procedural soreness, but this generally resolves quickly.

While individual results vary, many patients report noticeable pain relief within a few weeks and continued improvement over several months.

Who is a Candidate for Intracept?

You may be a good candidate for the Intracept Procedure if:

You have chronic low back pain (6+ months) not relieved by conservative treatments
MRI shows Modic Type 1 or Type 2 changes
Your pain is located in the lower back and not radiating into the legs
You have not responded well to non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, injections, and medications

If this sounds like you, a consultation with our spine specialists at Desert Spine and Sports Physicians can help determine if Intracept is the right step forward.

Don’t Let Low Back Pain Win – Contact Us Today

Don’t let chronic lower back pain continue to control your life. If you’ve been living with persistent discomfort and have found little relief from other treatments, the Intracept Procedure could be the long-term, non-surgical solution you’ve been waiting for.

Take the first step toward lasting relief—schedule a consultation today with one of the board-certified physicians at Desert Spine and Sports Physicians and reclaim the comfort and freedom you deserve.