The Intracept® Procedure: Breaking It Down for Everyday Patients
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October 22, 2025
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Chronic low back pain is one of the most common and frustrating conditions adults face. It can make even simple activities—like sitting at your desk, standing in line, or bending to tie your shoes—feel impossible. For many, traditional treatments such as medications, physical therapy, or injections offer only temporary relief. When pain persists for months or years, patients often feel stuck between living with constant discomfort and considering major spine surgery.
Fortunately, there’s a minimally invasive option that’s changing the conversation around chronic back pain: the Intracept® Procedure. This innovative treatment targets the root cause of pain from within the vertebrae, offering long-term relief without removing tissue, placing hardware, or requiring an implant.
Understanding Chronic Vertebrogenic Pain
Many people assume back pain always comes from a herniated disc or arthritis. But in some cases, the pain originates inside the vertebrae themselves—the bones that make up your spine. This type of pain is called vertebrogenic pain, and it’s linked to nerve signals from the basivertebral nerve. Over time, degeneration can cause inflammation and irritation, sending constant pain signals to the brain.
Vertebrogenic pain typically presents as chronic low back pain that’s deep, aching, and worsens with sitting, standing, or bending forward. Imaging such as an MRI may show Modic type 1 or type 2 changes—a key indicator that the basivertebral nerve could be the source of pain.
What Is the Intracept® Procedure?
The Intracept Procedure is a minimally invasive outpatient treatment designed to stop the basivertebral nerve from transmitting pain signals. Instead of cutting, removing, or fusing any part of the spine, Intracept uses controlled radiofrequency (RF) energy to deactivate the nerve inside the vertebral body that is responsible for pain.
- Targets the source of pain, not just symptoms
- Implant-free and hardware-free
- Proven long-term relief lasting 5+ years
- Quick—usually takes about an hour
- Outpatient procedure with same-day discharge
How the Procedure Works
- Preparation: You’ll receive light anesthesia. The physician uses real-time X-ray guidance to locate the basivertebral nerve.
- Accessing the Vertebra: A small incision allows a probe to reach the targeted vertebra.
- Delivering Energy: Controlled radiofrequency energy deactivates the basivertebral nerve.
- Finishing Up: The probe is removed and the incision is bandaged—no implants or hardware required.
Who Is a Candidate for Intracept?
Intracept is ideal for adults with chronic low back pain lasting six months or longer who haven’t found relief through conservative options. Candidates often have MRI evidence of Modic type 1 or type 2 changes between the L3 and S1 vertebrae.
What to Expect After the Procedure
Most patients return home the same day and experience mild soreness for a few days. Improvement often begins within weeks. Studies show long-lasting relief and improved function, with many patients reducing their need for pain medications.
How Intracept Differs from Other Treatments
| Treatment Type | Approach | Relief Duration | Invasiveness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medications | Masks pain signals | Short-term | Non-invasive |
| Injections | Reduces inflammation | Weeks to months | Minimally invasive |
| Surgery | Removes or fuses tissue | Long-term, but major recovery | Highly invasive |
| Intracept | Stops pain at the source | Long-term (5+ years) | Minimally invasive |
Benefits of the Intracept Procedure
- Minimally invasive with no implants
- Outpatient and fast recovery
- Long-term pain relief
- Improved daily function
- Low complication rate
- Reduced medication reliance
Recovery and Long-Term Outlook
Most patients resume light activities within days. There’s no need for long recovery periods, and pain relief can last years since the treated nerve doesn’t typically regenerate.
Choosing the Right Provider
For best results, work with a trained interventional spine specialist. At Louisiana Pain Care, each patient receives an individualized plan and advanced imaging review to confirm candidacy for Intracept.
A New Option for Lasting Relief
The Intracept® Procedure offers a safe, minimally invasive, and durable solution for patients struggling with chronic low back pain. If you’ve tried other treatments without success, talk to your spine care specialist to see if Intracept could help you find lasting relief.
