Intracept Procedure
Millions of people in the U.S. suffer from lower back pain that cannot be treated with traditional solutions such as pain medication or exercise. The Sinai Rehabilitation Center, a comprehensive location for pain and spine care, is the first in Maryland to offer Intracept, a unique and effective new procedure for patients with vertebrogenic back pain.
Lower back pain can be caused by a number of contributors such as arthritis, sports injuries or muscle strain. Your doctor can help you determine if your back pain is vertebrogenic by performing a physical exam and using an MRI to look for modic changes to your spine.
Vertebrogenic back pain is caused by damaged vertebral endplates. The Intracept Procedure works to target the affected nerves in the vertebrae.
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How does it work?
The Intracept Procedure is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure that takes approximately 90-120 minutes and does not involve an implant or change of the structure of the spine. The procedure works by applying radiofrequency energy (heat) at the basivertebral nerve of the spine, which disables them from sending pain signals.
What are the outcomes?
With limited long-term solutions for chronic low back pain, the Intracept Procedure has been an exciting breakthrough treatment for many patients. The procedure has proven to decrease pain by an average of 44% at the 3-month follow-up and 53% at the 24-month follow-up. Furthermore, in the 5-year follow-up SMART study data, 34% of patients had complete pain resolution and 47% of patients had greater than 75% pain reduction.
Who is a candidate?
In order to qualify for the Intracept Procedure, patients must have chronic vertebrogenic lower back pain that:
- has lasted for at least 6 months
- has not responded to at least 6 months of conservative care
- presents with degenerative endplate changes on an MRI
How do I get started?
In order to qualify for the Intracept Procedure, patients must have chronic vertebrogenic lower back pain that:
- has lasted for at least 6 months
- has not responded to at least 6 months of conservative care
- presents with degenerative endplate changes on an MRI