MINIMALLY INVASIVE RELIEF FOR CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN
Intracept Procedure®
Chronic low back pain can be exhausting, especially when it doesn’t improve with physical therapy, medications, or other conservative treatments. For many patients, the source of pain is damage to the interface between the disc and the bone, also known as the vertebral endplates.
The Intracept Procedure is a minimally invasive outpatient surgery that targets the nerve responsible for carrying these pain signals. Using radiofrequency energy, the nerve is ablated (or deactivated), preventing it from transmitting pain messages to the brain. Because the procedure is implant-free, it preserves future treatment options while offering long-lasting relief.
At Surgical Spine Associates, our experienced team specializes in advanced, evidence-based procedures like the Intracept Procedure. We perform this treatment in outpatient surgery centers, using next-generation tools for precision. Patients benefit from smaller incisions, faster recovery times, and results supported by decades of research.
If you’ve been struggling with chronic low back pain for six months or more and haven’t found relief through traditional approaches, you may be a candidate for Intracept surgery. Request a consultation today to see if this innovative solution is right for you.
INTRACEPT NERVE ABLATION PROCEDURE FOR BACK PAIN
Targeting the Source of Vertebrogenic Pain
During the Intracept procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision and guides specialized instruments through the vertebra under X-ray guidance. A curved cannula is used to create a pathway to the basivertebral nerve. Once in position, a radiofrequency probe delivers targeted heat to ablate the nerve, stopping it from sending pain signals.
The procedure typically takes about an hour under anesthesia, and patients usually go home the same day. Unlike other nerves in the body, the basivertebral nerve does not regenerate as a pain-transmitting nerve, meaning results can be long-lasting. In fact, clinical studies show patients often begin experiencing relief within two weeks, with improvements in pain and function lasting more than five years.
For patients, the benefits include:
- Relief from chronic vertebrogenic low back pain
- No implants, preserving spinal structure
- Quick recovery and return to daily activities
- A lower likelihood of needing repeated procedures
At Surgical Spine Associates, we ensure every patient is thoroughly evaluated with imaging and diagnostic tools before recommending the Intracept Procedure. This careful approach helps us identify the right candidates and maximize the chances of success.
Frequently Asked Questions
How effective is the Intracept Procedure for back pain?
Studies have shown that most patients experience significant relief within weeks, and many maintain improvements in pain and function for five years or more. In fact, nearly 70% of patients were able to return to activities they enjoyed before their back pain began. For those with vertebrogenic pain, the Intracept Procedure offers one of the most reliable solutions available today.
What makes the Intracept Procedure different?
Unlike general pain management techniques that may rely on injections or medications, Intracept specifically targets the basivertebral nerve, which is the root cause of vertebrogenic low back pain. It is the only procedure designed to directly stop this nerve from transmitting pain signals, providing long-term relief instead of temporary results.
How much does the Intracept procedure cost?
The cost of the Intracept procedure can vary depending on a number of factors. At Surgical Spine Associates, we accept most major insurance plans and will work with your provider to determine eligibility and out-of-pocket costs.
How do I schedule a consultation for the Intracept Procedure near me?
Scheduling with us is simple! Call us at (412) 275-0227 or use our online booking system to request your appointment. Our team will help confirm insurance coverage, answer your questions, and guide you every step of the way.