Intracept®

Introduction to Vertebrogenic Pain

Chronic low back pain affects millions of people, but not all back pain is the same. Vertebrogenic pain is a specific type of chronic lower back pain that originates from damaged vertebral endplates. Understanding this condition is the first step toward finding effective, long-lasting relief.

What is Vertebrogenic Pain?

Vertebrogenic pain is a clinically distinct form of chronic low back pain caused by damage to the vertebral endplates, the thin layers of cartilage tissue covering the top and bottom of each vertebral body that separate it from the intervertebral disc.

How Vertebrogenic Pain Develops

As we age, disc degeneration and normal wear and tear create significant stress on the vertebral endplates. This ongoing stress leads to:

• Endplate damage and microfractures
• Chronic inflammation in the vertebral bodies
• Activation of the basivertebral nerve (BVN)
• Persistent pain signals transmitted to the brain

The basivertebral nerve (BVN), located within the vertebrae, serves as the primary pain signal pathway from the inflamed endplates to your brain, creating the chronic pain experience.

Vertebrogenic Pain Symptoms: What Patients Experience

Understanding your symptoms can help determine if you’re suffering from vertebrogenic pain versus other types of back pain.

Common Vertebrogenic Pain Characteristics

Patients with vertebrogenic pain typically describe:

• Deep, aching pain in the middle or center of the lower back
• Activity-related pain that worsens with physical exertion
• Increased discomfort from prolonged sitting or standing
• Pain aggravation when bending forward, lifting, or twisting
• Modic changes visible on MRI scans (distinctive imaging markers)

Modic Changes: The Diagnostic Indicator

While the disc and endplate both contribute to anterior spinal column pain, vertebrogenic pain is uniquely associated with Modic changes, specific inflammatory patterns visible on standard MRI imaging that indicate endplate damage and bone marrow inflammation.

The Intracept® Procedure: Advanced Treatment for Vertebrogenic Pain

How the Intracept Procedure Works

The Intracept® Procedure offers a targeted solution for vertebrogenic pain by addressing the root cause: the basivertebral nerve.

The Treatment Process:

1. Nerve Identification: The basivertebral nerve enters the vertebral body from the back and branches throughout the endplates
2. Targeted Ablation: A specialized radiofrequency probe delivers controlled heat to the BVN
3. Pain Signal Interruption: The thermal energy disrupts the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals to the brain
4. Inflammation Reduction: By stopping chronic pain signaling, the procedure helps reduce endplate inflammation

Intracept Procedure Benefits

The Intracept® Procedure is a minimally invasive treatment that offers several advantages over traditional back pain interventions:

• Outpatient procedure performed in a single day
• No implants required preserving natural spine structure
• Spine-preserving approach maintains vertebral integrity
• FDA-cleared with proven safety and efficacy^1,2,3
• Approximately one hour procedure time
• Performed under anesthesia for patient comfort

How Long Does Intracept Pain Relief Last?

One of the most compelling aspects of the Intracept Procedure is its durability, demonstrated through rigorous clinical research.^1,2

Long-Term Clinical Outcomes

Extensive clinical research demonstrates that:

• Majority of patients experience significant pain reduction within 3 months²
• Function improvements are substantial and clinically meaningful^1,2
• Pain relief sustained for more than 5 years after a single treatment²
• Durable outcomes demonstrated in prospective, randomized, controlled studies^1,2

These outcomes represent real, lasting relief rather than temporary symptom management.

Am I a Candidate for the Intracept® Procedure?

Intracept Procedure Candidacy Requirements

The Intracept® Procedure may be right for you if you meet the following criteria:³

Required Conditions:

• Chronic low back pain lasting six months or longer
• Completed conservative treatment for at least six months, including:
  • Physical therapy
  • Pain medications
  • Lifestyle modifications
  • Other non-surgical interventions
• MRI imaging showing Modic changes indicating vertebral endplate damage and inflammation

Next Steps: Consultation and Evaluation

If you meet these criteria and continue to experience debilitating low back pain, schedule a consultation with a qualified spine specialist to:

• Review your complete medical history
• Analyze your MRI imaging for Modic changes
• Discuss the risks and benefits of the Intracept Procedure
• Determine if you’re an appropriate candidate
• Create a personalized treatment plan

Frequently Asked Questions About Vertebrogenic Pain

Is vertebrogenic pain the same as disc pain?

While both the disc and endplate are part of the anterior spinal column and can cause similar symptoms, vertebrogenic pain specifically originates from damaged endplates and is identifiable by Modic changes on MRI.

What makes the Intracept Procedure different from other back pain treatments?

Unlike treatments that mask symptoms, the Intracept Procedure addresses the source of vertebrogenic pain by targeting the basivertebral nerve, providing lasting relief without surgery or implants.

How soon can I return to normal activities after the procedure?

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but most individuals begin experiencing pain relief within 3 months and can gradually return to activities as directed by their healthcare provider.

Are there risks associated with the Intracept Procedure?

As with any medical procedure, the Intracept Procedure carries potential risks. Discuss these thoroughly with your spine specialist to make an informed decision about your treatment.

Take the Next Step Toward Pain Relief

Don’t let chronic low back pain control your life. If you’ve been suffering for six months or longer and conservative treatments haven’t provided adequate relief, the Intracept® Procedure may offer the lasting solution you’ve been seeking.

Contact Us to determine if you’re a candidate for this innovative, minimally invasive treatment for vertebrogenic pain.