Chronic back pain is one of the most common reasons adults go to the doctor. For people the pain stays even after trying physical therapy, medicine visits to the chiropractor or shots. If you are dealing with term low back pain that has not gotten better with normal treatments, Basivertebral Nerve Ablation (BVNA)—also called the Intracept Procedure—might give the lasting help you are looking for.
At Kansas Pain Management we focus on minimally invasive treatments that find the real cause of pain. Basivertebral nerve ablation is one of the new options for people with pain that comes from the spine.
What Is Vertebrogenic Low Back Pain?
Vertebrogenic low back pain starts from the nerve, which is inside the bones of the spine. This nerve can get upset because of:
- Modic Type 1 or Type 2 changes
- Age-related degeneration
- Chronic stress on the spine
- Repetitive strain
- Disc degeneration
These changes lead to inflammation and persistent pain deep in the lower back.
Patients with vertebrogenic pain often describe their symptoms as:
- Deep, aching low back pain
- Pain aggravated by bending, lifting, or prolonged sitting
- Pain not relieved by typical spine treatments
- Pain lasting 6 months or longer
What Is Basivertebral Nerve Ablation (Intracept)?
Basivertebral Nerve Ablation is a treatment that is approved by the FDA. It is an invasive procedure that stops pain by turning off the nerve that sends pain messages to the brain.
The Intracept System uses heat from radiofrequency energy to stop the nerve that causes the pain.
Key benefits of the Intracept procedure:
- Minimally invasive
- No incisions—only a small puncture
- Outpatient procedure
- No hardware or implants
- Long-lasting relief (studies show results lasting 5+ years)
- Fast recovery
How the Procedure Works
Here’s what patients can expect:
Step 1: Diagnosis
Your pain management specialist will confirm vertebrogenic pain using:
- MRI imaging (to detect Modic changes)
- A thorough physical exam
- Review of pain history and previous treatments
Step 2: Procedure
During the Intracept procedure:
- You are positioned comfortably under mild sedation.
- A small cannula is guided into the affected vertebra using advanced imaging.
- A thin probe delivers controlled radiofrequency heat to the basivertebral nerve.
- The nerve is ablated, blocking pain signals at the source.
The entire procedure typically takes 60–90 minutes.
Step 3: Recovery
- Most patients return home the same day.
- Normal activities can resume in a few days.
- Pain relief may begin within 2–6 weeks, with continued improvement over months.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
You may be a candidate for Basivertebral Nerve Ablation if:
✔ You have chronic low back pain for 6 months or more
✔ You have Modic type 1 or type 2 changes on MRI
✔ Pain has not improved with conservative treatments
✔ Pain is worse with sitting, bending, or activity
✔ Your pain is in the midline or deep in the low back
This procedure is NOT meant for patients with nerve compression, instability, or severe spinal stenosis.
Why Intracept Is a Breakthrough
✔ Long-lasting relief
Studies show pain relief that lasts at least five years and many people feel much better.
✔ Targets the true source of pain
Instead of just making the pain feel less BVNA stops the nerve that is causing the pain.
✔ Minimally invasive
No parts are put in the body no hospital stay and much faster recovery than surgery.
✔ Ideal for patients who have tried everything else
This treatment gives hope to those who did not get better from shots, therapy or medicine.
Basivertebral Nerve Ablation at Kansas Pain Management
At Kansas Pain Management, our interventional pain specialists are trained in the latest minimally invasive spine techniques. We ensure:
- Accurate diagnosis
- Personalized treatment planning
- Safe, precise procedure using state-of-the-art equipment
- Comprehensive follow-up care
Our goal is to help you regain mobility, reduce pain, and return to the activities you enjoy.
Ready to Find Out If You’re a Candidate?
If chronic low back pain is affecting your daily life, the Intracept Basivertebral Nerve Ablation procedure could be the relief you need.
📞 Call Kansas Pain Management Today
📍 Serving Overland Park, Kansas City, Olathe & surrounding areas
🔹 Schedule an appointment with our spine specialists
Let us help you take the next step toward lasting pain relief.
