Vertebrogenic low back pain comes from damaged endplates within the vertebral bone itself. It is a stubborn, deep, midline low back pain that often has not responded to typical back treatments.
The basivertebral nerve carries pain signals from damaged vertebral endplates. When those endplates are inflamed, this nerve stays active and the back pain stays constant.
The Intracept procedure is a minimally invasive, FDA-approved option that targets the basivertebral nerve directly. For the right patient, it can bring lasting relief after years of chronic pain.
Vertebrogenic pain has some distinguishing features that help us identify candidates for Intracept.
Treatment starts with confirming the diagnosis, then moves to the Intracept procedure when indicated.
A minimally invasive procedure that targets the basivertebral nerve. Performed under sedation, same-day discharge, and often provides lasting relief for vertebrogenic pain.
Used to rule out facet-joint contribution. A negative block helps confirm that the source is vertebrogenic rather than facet-driven.
Useful if nerve root inflammation is adding to the pain picture alongside vertebrogenic changes.
For patients with a mixed picture, RFA of the facet nerves can address that layer while Intracept handles the vertebral component.
Call us for new weakness, bladder or bowel changes, saddle numbness, or back pain with fever. These need urgent evaluation and are not typical for vertebrogenic pain.
Candidates generally have six or more months of chronic low back pain, specific endplate changes on MRI, and pain that has not responded to conservative care. Our team walks through the imaging and history at your consult.
Most patients are back to normal daily activity within a few days. Full benefit often develops over the first several weeks after the procedure.
Studies show durable relief for many patients over several years. We monitor progress and adjust treatment if pain returns.