Patient handout · Pain treatments
Intracept (Basivertebral Nerve Ablation)
What it is
Intracept treats a type of long-term low back pain called vertebrogenic pain. The doctor uses heat to quiet a nerve inside the spine bone that carries pain signals. It is done through a small opening.
Why it is done
- Chronic low back pain for at least six months
- At least six months of conservative care without adequate relief
- MRI showing Type 1 or Type 2 Modic changes at L3 to S1
- Patients without active infection or certain other conditions
What to expect
- Before: An MRI must show certain changes in the spine bones for this treatment to be an option.
- During: You get sedation or anesthesia. Through a small opening, the doctor uses heat to quiet the nerve inside the bone. It takes about an hour.
- After: Most people go home the same day. The area may be sore for a few days.
Self-care tips
- Rest the day of your injection. Most people return to light activity the next day.
- Ice on the site for 15 to 20 minutes may ease soreness.
- Keep a pain diary for 2 weeks to share with us.
- Keep taking your usual medicines unless we tell you otherwise.
When to call us
- Fever or chills
- Redness, swelling, warmth or drainage where the needle went in
- Pain that is much worse than before, or new weakness or numbness
- A bad headache that is worse when you sit or stand
Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or loss of bladder or bowel control.
This handout is general information and is not a substitute for medical advice.