The Intracept Procedure

By Tammy White

For those with persistent low back pain that does not respond to treatment, there is a new option available called ablation of the basivertebral nerve, also known as the intracept procedure.

This is a minimally invasive procedure, performed by Dr. Michael Warden, that ablates, or burns, small branches of nerves that go into the vertebral body and cause chronic pain.

“The vertebral bodies are the bones that make up the spine,” said  Dr. Warden. “They are stacked on top of each other like coins. Between them is the shock absorber, or disc mater ial, that allows us to absorb all the pressure and the weight as we walk, move, jump and enjoy our lives.”

Over time, the disc starts to break down, causing irritation and inflammation in the bone. As the disc degenerates, it irritates the nerves, causing pain.

Typically, many patients with low back pain experience pain with activity but find relief when they sit down.

Patients with basal vertebral nerve pain tend to still have pain even when sitting – no matter the activity, the pain is always there.

This same-day procedure is performed at the McLeod Outpatient Surgery Center in Florence. The offending nerves for ablation are accessed through a very small “poke” incision, leaving no scarring or wound.

In five-year studies, patients were reported to have prolonged and sustained pain relief since the nerve is unable to grow back once it is burned away.

“Patients who have been working with their primary care physician for at least six months trying various conservative measures, including physical therapy, can be evaluated to see if they are a candidate for this procedure,” said Dr. Warden.

“An MRI scan is part of the evaluation process. On the MRI, we are looking to see if there has been any breakdown of their disc. The irritated nerves inside the bone are the nerves we target during this procedure.

“Patients with significant unresolved back pain did not have many options prior to this procedure,” said Dr. Warden. “It can be an effective therapy, and we are excited to now offer this option for our patients.”