The Intercept Procedure: When to Consider This Minimally Invasive Treatment for Chronic Back Pain
By Dr. Justin Thompson, Arizona Pain
Chronic back pain can be debilitating, limiting your ability to engage in everyday activities and reducing your overall quality of life. For many patients, the search for relief involves trying a variety of treatments, from physical therapy and medications to injections. But when these options fail to bring lasting relief, it may be time to consider a more advanced, minimally invasive option: the Intracept Procedure.
The Intracept Procedure targets a specific source of chronic low back pain known as vertebrogenic pain, which stems from damaged or degenerated vertebral endplates. In this blog, we’ll explore what the Intracept Procedure is, how it works, and most importantly, when it’s the right time to talk to your doctor about this cutting-edge treatment.
What Is the Intracept Procedure?
The Intracept Procedure is a minimally invasive treatment designed to address chronic low back pain that originates from the vertebral endplates, the area where the spinal discs meet the vertebral bodies. This type of pain is often called vertebrogenic pain and can be difficult to treat with traditional approaches like physical therapy or injections.
The Intracept Procedure works by ablating (burning) the basivertebral nerve, which carries pain signals from the damaged vertebral endplates to the brain. By deactivating this nerve, the procedure stops these pain signals, providing lasting relief without the need for more invasive surgeries.
Who Is a Candidate for the Intracept Procedure?
Not every patient with back pain is a candidate for the Intracept Procedure. It is specifically designed for individuals who suffer from chronic vertebrogenic pain that has been resistant to other treatments. Here are some key signs that you may be a candidate for this procedure:
1. Chronic Low Back Pain Lasting Six Months or More
If you’ve been living with low back pain for six months or longer and haven’t found relief from conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections, it’s time to talk to your doctor about alternative options. Chronic pain that persists for this length of time may be an indication of a deeper underlying issue, such as vertebrogenic pain, that can’t be adequately treated with surface-level therapies.
2. Pain Not Caused by Nerve Compression or Disc Herniation
Patients with vertebrogenic pain typically do not have issues like nerve compression or disc herniation. If your pain is more of a deep, aching sensation in the lower back and doesn’t radiate down your legs (as in sciatica), it may be coming from your vertebral endplates rather than your discs or nerves. This is a key distinction that helps doctors determine whether the Intracept Procedure may be the right choice for you.
3. MRI-Confirmed Modic Changes
One of the main diagnostic tools for determining whether you’re a candidate for the Intracept Procedure is an MRI scan. Doctors will look for specific changes in your vertebrae known as Modic changes—a sign of inflammation and degeneration in the vertebral endplates. These changes are a hallmark of vertebrogenic pain and indicate that the basivertebral nerve is the likely source of your discomfort.
If you’ve undergone an MRI and your doctor has identified Modic changes, you may be a strong candidate for the Intracept Procedure.
4. Other Treatments Have Failed
It’s important to exhaust other conservative and interventional treatments before considering the Intracept Procedure. This means that you’ve likely tried physical therapy, chiropractic care, medications, and perhaps even injections or nerve blocks with little or no lasting relief. If these treatments haven’t worked for you, the Intracept Procedure may be the next step to finally addressing the root cause of your pain.
When Should You Talk to Your Doctor About the Intracept Procedure?
If you’ve been dealing with chronic low back pain that isn’t responding to traditional treatments, it may be time to have a conversation with your doctor about the Intracept Procedure. Here are some signs that now might be the right time to discuss this option:
1. Your Pain Is Affecting Your Daily Life
If your back pain is preventing you from performing everyday activities, whether it’s work, exercise, or simply enjoying time with family, it’s time to seek more advanced care. Pain that interferes with your daily life for an extended period often requires more than conservative treatment.
2. You’ve Tried Multiple Treatments Without Success
When conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or even injections fail to provide lasting relief, it’s a sign that your pain may be more complex than previously thought. If you’ve been going through rounds of treatment without improvement, ask your doctor about vertebrogenic pain and whether the Intracept Procedure could help.
3. You’re Looking for a Minimally Invasive Option
Many patients are hesitant to undergo major back surgery. The Intracept Procedure offers a minimally invasive alternative that can provide long-lasting pain relief without the risks or extended recovery time associated with traditional spinal surgery. It’s an attractive option for patients who are not surgical candidates or who wish to avoid surgery altogether.
4. You Have Modic Changes on MRI
If you’ve had an MRI and your doctor has identified Modic changes, it’s a strong indication that your pain may be coming from your vertebral endplates, making you an ideal candidate for the Intracept Procedure. If you’ve already undergone an MRI but haven’t discussed Modic changes with your doctor, now is the time to bring it up.
What Are the Benefits of the Intracept Procedure?
The Intracept Procedure offers several key benefits for patients with vertebrogenic pain:
- Long-Lasting Relief: By ablating the basivertebral nerve, the Intracept Procedure provides long-term pain relief without the need for repeat treatments.
- Minimally Invasive: The procedure is done through small incisions, and patients can typically go home the same day. Recovery time is much shorter than traditional back surgery.
- Targeted Treatment: Unlike other treatments that may only mask the symptoms of back pain, the Intracept Procedure targets the source of the pain—providing relief where it’s needed most.
- Improves Quality of Life: Patients who undergo the Intracept Procedure often report significant improvements in their ability to participate in daily activities and overall quality of life.
Why Arizona Pain is the Best Choice for the Intracept Procedure
At Arizona Pain, we specialize in advanced pain management techniques that address the root cause of your discomfort. Our team of highly trained, board-certified physicians is experienced in performing the Intracept Procedure, ensuring that you receive the most effective and up-to-date care for your chronic back pain.
We take a personalized approach to every patient’s care, making sure that each treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs and condition. If you’re suffering from chronic low back pain and believe you might be a candidate for the Intracept Procedure, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our team to explore your options.
Conclusion
Chronic low back pain can feel like an endless cycle of discomfort and limited mobility, especially when traditional treatments fail to provide relief. However, the Intracept Procedure offers new hope for patients with vertebrogenic pain, particularly those who are not candidates for surgery or have been told they’re out of options.
If you’ve been dealing with back pain for six months or longer, it’s time to talk to your doctor about whether the Intracept Procedure is right for you. With the help of skilled providers like the team at Arizona Pain, you can take control of your pain and get back to living your life.
Dr. Justin Thompson is a healthcare blogger dedicated to providing insights into advanced medical treatments and patient care strategies.