Chronic back pain—especially low back pain— affects millions of people worldwide and often results in reduced quality of life, limited mobility and constant discomfort. While various treatments exist for managing this type of pain, most only provide temporary relief or require ongoing management; Dallas Pain Institute recently began to offer the groundbreaking Intracept Procedure which offers long-term relief from vertebrogenic back pain.
About Vertebrogenic Pain
Vertebrogenic pain is a type of chronic backache caused by damage or degeneration of vertebral endplates—a thin pieces of cartilage between vertebrae that cushion the spine —over time, these endplates may become damaged or degenerate leading to inflammation and pain, unlike many other sources that respond well to traditional therapies like physical therapy, medications and nerve blocks.
Vertebrogenic pain typically manifests itself in chronic, non-radiating low back pain that worsens with certain movements or extended sitting, making everyday activities increasingly challenging for those living with this condition. Traditional pain management treatments may only offer partial relief; as a result, patients must search for more effective strategies.
What Is the Intracept Procedure?
The Intracept Procedure is a minimally invasive treatment designed to address vertebrogenic pain by targeting the basivertebral nerve. This nerve, located inside vertebrae, transmits pain signals from affected vertebral endplates directly to the brain; by deactivating (ablating) this nerve via ablation therapy, patients can find significant relief through its elimination—offering significant relief and providing substantial comfort from backache symptoms.
The Intracept Procedure has received FDA-approval and clinical studies prove its efficacy at relieving chronic low back pain. Particularly beneficial are patients who have not found relief through traditional approaches and who exhibit structural changes (degenerative changes visible on MRI scans) in vertebral endplates.
Watch a video on the Intracept Procedure right here.
What to Expect During the Intracept Procedure
The Intracept Procedure is administered under local anesthesia and sedation to ensure patients remain comfortable throughout the procedure. Below is an outline of the procedure offered at our Dallas area pain clinics in Rowlett, Greenville, Forney & Sherman, TX:
- Prep and Imaging Guidance: Through fluoroscopic imaging, the physician locates the exact location of a basivertebral nerve within an affected vertebra.
- Insertion of Cannula: Following an incision, a cannula (a thin hollow tube) is carefully inserted through it into a vertebra and guided toward the basivertebral nerve.
- Ablation of the Basivertebral Nerve: Once in position, a radiofrequency probe is inserted through the cannula and used to deliver heat directly onto the basivertebral nerve in order to block its transmission of pain signals—this process is known as radiofrequency ablation.
- Completion and Recovery: Once surgery has been completed, the cannula will be taken out, with a small bandage placed over it. Most patients can return home the same day; light activities may resume shortly thereafter.
Top Advantages
The Intracept Procedure offers several key advantages that make it an excellent solution for individuals living with chronic vertebrogenic pain:
- Long-Lasting Relief: Studies have demonstrated that patients can enjoy long-lasting pain relief following procedures, typically reporting improvements such as increased mobility and reduced dependence on pain medication.
- Minimally Invasive: Unlike traditional back surgery, the Intracept Procedure is minimally invasive – meaning only small incisions and scarring are needed, thus minimizing risks and speedsing recovery times.
- Targeted Pain Management: By directly targeting the basivertebral nerve, the Intracept Procedure offers more effective pain relief compared to more generalized approaches such as medication or physical therapy.
- Reducing Reliance on Pain Medications: Chronic back pain often necessitates long-term use of pain medications with associated side effects and dependency issues, but with the Intracept Procedure many patients can reduce or stop using such medicines altogether.
Are You an Ideal Candidate?
Intracept surgery has proven most successful when applied to individuals experiencing chronic vertebrogenic pain that has not responded to conventional therapies, including physical therapy and medication. Ideal candidates would include individuals suffering from conditions like:
Longstanding low back pain lasting six months or longer with no sign of relief from physical therapy, medication, or traditional treatments (MRI).
Are You Exploring Intracept Surgery at Dallas Pain Institute?
A consultation with Dallas Pain Institute will help to ascertain whether this innovative procedure meets your criteria. Our highly-skilled pain management specialists will assess your condition, review your medical history and discuss the potential advantages and drawbacks of this procedure.
Low Back Pain Treatment in Rowlett, Sherman, Greenville & Forney, TX
Dallas Pain Institute strives to offer cutting-edge pain management solutions tailored specifically to each patient, and our knowledgeable team possesses extensive expertise in advanced pain techniques such as Intracept. As part of our comprehensive approach to chronic back pain relief, our aim is to empower you and provide long-term relief.
Reach out to Dallas Pain Institute now for a consultation session and discover if this revolutionary therapy might just be what’s needed!
Rowlett, TX: 7700 Lakeview Pkwy, Suite 100B, Rowlett, TX 75088. (469) 653-0222
Sherman, TX: 1001 E Sara Swamy Dr., Suite 220, Sherman, TX 75090. (903) 892-1999
Greenville, TX: 4400 IH 30, Suite 300, Greenville, TX 75402. (469) 653-0222
Forney, TX: 763 E US Hwy 80, Ste 240, Forney, TX 75126. (469) 653-0222