Intracept® Procedure

Intracept® Procedure for Chronic Lower Back Pain

The Intracept® Procedure is a minimally invasive treatment designed to relieve chronic lower back pain caused by vertebrogenic pain—pain that comes from the vertebral endplates themselves. By targeting the specific nerve that transmits this pain, the procedure helps patients experience meaningful and lasting improvement. At iMsk & Spine Group, this advanced option is recommended when conservative treatments have not provided adequate relief.

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What Is the Intracept® Procedure?

Intracept® is an FDA-approved technique that uses radiofrequency energy to interrupt the basivertebral nerve inside the vertebrae. This nerve is responsible for carrying pain signals from damaged vertebral endplates. By stopping these signals, patients can experience decreased pain and better daily function.

Why It Helps

Many patients with chronic low back pain struggle to find effective treatment, especially when pain originates inside the bone rather than in discs or muscles. Intracept® targets the source of vertebrogenic pain directly, providing long-term improvement in discomfort, activity, and quality of life for appropriate candidates.

Conditions It Helps Treat

Intracept® may be recommended for patients with:

Vertebrogenic pain
Chronic lower back pain for 6+ months
Pain not relieved by conservative treatment
Modic changes seen on MRI

This procedure is not designed for acute injuries or pain unrelated to vertebral endplates.

How the Procedure Works

The procedure is performed through a tiny incision and guided by imaging.

A typical session includes:

Local anesthesia and sedation if needed
Precise needle placement into the vertebrae
Radiofrequency energy to deactivate the basivertebral nerve
Short recovery time
Most patients return home the same day.