The Intracept Procedure is a minimally invasive, outpatient treatment for a specific kind of chronic low back pain called “vertebrogenic low back pain.” This pain arises when the vertebral endplates (the top and bottom surfaces of the bones in your spine) become damaged or inflamed over time, often due to degeneration of spinal discs and wear and- tear. That inflammation can activate a small nerve within the vertebra called the basivertebral nerve (BVN), which transmits pain
signals from the vertebrae to the brain.
How the procedure works: under anesthesia, the doctor makes a small incision in your lower back and, using imaging (like X‑ray guidance), inserts a thin probe through the bone into the vertebra to reach the basivertebral nerve. Once in position, the probe applies radiofrequency (heat) energy to ablate — that is, deactivate — the nerve so it can no longer carry pain signals. There is no implant left behind. Most people go home the same day, and many experience significant reduction of pain and improved function. Clinical follow-up data show meaningful
relief can last for years after a single treatment.
