Basivertebral Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation (Intracept) for Vertebrogenic Low Back Pain
Background
Basivertebral nerve radiofrequency ablation (BVNA) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic low back pain stemming from the vertebral body endplates. This is also known as the “Intracept” procedure. The painful vertebral bodies are accessed and the basivertebral nerve is ablated to stop pain signaling from the endplates.
Indications:
Ongoing low back pain despite conservative care (typically more than six months) that is often provoked more so by lumbar flexion than extension positions (bending, lifting, sitting).
Type 1 or Type 2 Modic Changes on MRI (edema, inflammation, and/or fibrofatty changes of the vertebral endplates).
Post-procedure
The skin is closed with Steri-Strips only (no need for stitches).
We encourage patients to remain mobile, engage in gentle exercise immediately, and then re-engage in activity and programs that will help improve their strength and biomechanics in the long-term (chiropractic care, physical therapy, home exercise programs).