Basivertebral Nerve Ablation (BVN)

Basivertebral nerve ablation (BVNA), also known as the Intracept® procedure, is a minimally invasive treatment designed to relieve chronic low back pain originating from the vertebrae (called vertebrogenic pain). This procedure targets the basivertebral nerve, which carries pain signals from the vertebral bones. By using controlled heat (radiofrequency energy) to deactivate this nerve, BVNA can provide long-lasting pain relief for patients who have not improved with conservative treatments.

What Conditions Does This Treatment Help?

Basivertebral nerve ablation is specifically used for:

Chronic low back pain (lasting 6 months or more)
Vertebrogenic pain (pain coming from vertebral endplates)
Patients with Modic changes seen on MRI
Back pain that has not improved with medications or therapy

How Does Basivertebral Nerve Ablation Work?

The procedure works by interrupting pain signals at their source.

The basivertebral nerve inside the vertebra transmits pain signals to the brain
Using radiofrequency energy, the nerve is precisely heated and ablated (deactivated)
Once the nerve can no longer send pain signals, patients often experience significant and sustained relief

Unlike temporary treatments, this approach targets the underlying source of vertebrogenic pain, not just the symptoms.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Before the Procedure

Detailed evaluation and imaging (MRI) to confirm diagnosis
Review of medical history and prior treatments

During the Procedure

Performed in a sterile setting with imaging guidance
A small probe is inserted into the vertebra
Radiofrequency energy is used to ablate the nerve
Typically takes about 60–90 minutes

After the Procedure

Same-day discharge in most cases
Mild soreness at the treatment site may occur
Gradual return to normal activities

Benefits of Basivertebral Nerve Ablation

✔ Targets the source of chronic back pain.

✔ Minimally invasive with no large incisions

✔ Long-lasting pain relief (not just temporary)
✔ Improves function and quality of life
✔ Reduces dependence on medications

Who Is a Candidate for This Treatment?

Basivertebral nerve ablation may be recommended for individuals who:

Have chronic low back pain lasting more than six months.
Have not responded to conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections.
Have been diagnosed with vertebrogenic pain via MRI, showing Modic changes (inflammatory changes in the vertebral endplates).
Are looking for a non-surgical solution with long-term relief.

Risks & Side Effects

Basivertebral nerve ablation is generally safe, but potential risks include:

Temporary soreness or discomfort
Mild bleeding or infection (rare)
Temporary increase in pain during recovery

Serious complications are uncommon when performed by experienced providers.

When Is This Treatment Recommended?

Basivertebral nerve ablation is typically recommended when:

Conservative care has failed
Pain is chronic and affecting daily life
Imaging confirms vertebrogenic pain
Patients want to avoid or delay major spine surgery

It fits as a next-step treatment before considering surgical options.

Recovery & Results

Initial soreness may last a few days
Many patients begin to notice improvement within 2–6 weeks
Continued improvement may occur over several months
Relief can be long-lasting, often for years

This makes BVNA a strong option for patients seeking durable relief without surgery.

FAQs

Is the Intracept procedure painful?

The procedure is performed with anesthesia, so discomfort is minimal during treatment.

How long does the relief last?

Many patients experience long-term relief lasting several years.

Is this the same as a steroid injection?

No — BVNA targets the nerve responsible for pain, while injections provide temporary anti-inflammatory relief.

Will I need repeat procedures?

In many cases, the procedure is performed once, with long-lasting results.

Treatment Offered By Kansas Pain Management

Kansas Pain Management offers a comprehensive pain treatment plan that is tailored to each patient’s specific needs. The first step is a thorough evaluation, which includes a medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing, if necessary.
Treatment options may include medications, physical therapy, injections, or surgery, depending on the underlying cause of the pain.

Kansas Pain Management also offers a range of minimally invasive procedures to help alleviate pain and restore function. With board-certified and fellowship-trained physicians, Kansas Pain Management is committed to providing the highest quality care for patients suffering from pain. You can book an appointment with us at Overland Park, Lawrence, Leavenworth/Lansing, Roeland Park, etc. We also serve nearby locations like Ottawa, Missouri, Topeka, Belton, Manhattan, Lee’s Summit, Johnson County & Kansas areas.

Book an appointment here to learn more or call us at 913-339-9437 to schedule now.

Some Of The Other Surgical Procedures We Provide:

FAQs

What causes vertebrogenic pain?

Vertebrogenic pain originates from the vertebral endplates, where nerves may become irritated due to wear and tear, inflammation, or disc degeneration.

How does Basivertebral Nerve Ablation work?

A small incision is made, a probe is inserted into the affected vertebra, and radiofrequency heat is applied to the basivertebral nerve to stop it from transmitting pain signals.

Who is a suitable candidate for Basivertebral Nerve Ablation?

Candidates typically have chronic low back pain for more than six months, have failed conservative treatments, and show Modic changes on MRI.

Does BVN provide long-term pain relief?

Yes, because the targeted nerve no longer transmits pain, relief can last for years.

What are Modic changes?

Modic changes are inflammatory changes seen on MRI that indicate vertebrogenic pain originating from the vertebral endplates.