By Thomas Kindl, MD
Blanchard Valley Pain Management

For many people, chronic low back pain originates from the space between the disc and the vertebra, which is known as the vertebral endplate. This type of pain is known as vertebrogenic pain. Of the 30 million people in the United States with chronic low back pain, one in six is likely to suffer from vertebrogenic pain.

Vertebrogenic pain patients often describe their pain as located in the middle of their lower back, and the pain gets worse during physical activity or prolonged sitting, and when bending forward/bending with lifting.

Within the field of interventional pain management, significant advancements in research on vertebrogenic pain have produced innovative/minimally invasive procedures such as the Intracept procedure. This outpatient procedure is designed to address the root cause of vertebrogenic pain without the need for major surgery.

Patients for whom the Intercept procedure is indicated are those patients who have had chronic lower back pain for at least six months, along with those who have tried at least six months of conservative care such as physical therapy, interventional injections, chiropractic adjustments, etc. Patients must have lumbar MRI imaging with findings that show aging and inflammation at the level of the lumbar spine where the procedure will be performed. 

The Intracept procedure is minimally invasive, implant-free, and provides durable pain relief. A small cannula is advanced through the skin and through the pedicle of the spine to access the basivertebral nerve. Using radiofrequency energy, a generator heats the nerve to stop sending pain signals to the brain. Patients are able to go home the same day, and this FDA-cleared procedure is safe, effective, and long-lasting for several years.

Understanding the source of your low back pain empowers patients to explore innovative solutions with their care team. If you or someone you know is grappling with the challenges of what you suspect could be vertebrogenic, low back pain, know that advancements in pain management treatments offer new avenues for relief.