Intracept
BASIVERTEBRAL NERVE ABLATION
BASIVERTEBRAL NERVE ABLATION
Take the First Step Toward Lasting Relief from Lower Back Pain.
If you’ve been living with chronic lower back pain that hasn’t responded to conservative treatments, OrthoNC offers a breakthrough solution: the Intracept® Procedure. This minimally invasive, outpatient treatment targets the basivertebral nerve—the source of vertebrogenic back pain—to deliver long-term relief without the need for implants or spinal fusion. Our spine specialists are proud to offer this advanced option to help you regain mobility, reduce pain, and get back to living life on your terms.
Understanding Vertebrogenic Pain
Chronic low back pain can have many causes, but vertebrogenic pain originates from the vertebral endplates—the interface between the disc and the vertebra. When these endplates are damaged, they activate the basivertebral nerve, which transmits pain signals. If you’ve experienced persistent pain in the lower back that hasn’t improved with physical therapy, injections, or medications, vertebrogenic pain may be the cause.
What is the Intracept® Procedure?
The Intracept® Procedure is an advanced, minimally invasive treatment designed to relieve chronic lower back pain by targeting the basivertebral nerve—a key source of vertebrogenic pain. This outpatient procedure is performed under anesthesia, typically takes about an hour, and requires no hospital stay.
Unlike spinal fusion or implants, Intracept preserves the natural structure of the spine while interrupting pain signals at their source. FDA-cleared and supported by multiple clinical studies, the procedure has been proven to be safe, effective, and long-lasting, offering lasting relief for eligible patients without the need for hardware or major surgery.
Is Intracept® Right for You?
The Intracept® Procedure may be appropriate if you’ve had chronic low back pain for six months or more, tried conservative treatments without relief, and your MRI shows Modic changes—a sign of inflammation at the vertebral endplates.
Patients who benefit often report pain in the center of the lower back that worsens with activity, sitting, bending, or lifting.
As with any procedure, risks should be discussed with your healthcare provider to determine if Intracept is the right fit for you.
What to Expect: Before, During, and After the Procedure
Before the Procedure:
Your provider will confirm that you are a candidate for Intracept using a detailed review of your symptoms, medical history, and MRI imaging. You’ll receive instructions about fasting, medications, and what to bring on the day of your procedure. Most patients do not need any special preparation beyond standard pre-procedure guidelines.
During the Procedure:
The Intracept Procedure is performed in an outpatient setting under general anesthesia. A small incision is made, and a specialized probe is guided into the vertebra to target the basivertebral nerve. The nerve is then ablated (deactivated) using radiofrequency energy. The entire procedure typically takes about one hour, and no implants are used.
After the Procedure:
Patients return home the same day and are able to resume light activities within a few days. Some soreness at the incision site or general fatigue may occur temporarily. Pain relief typically begins to appear within two to six weeks, with continued improvement over time. Your care team will provide follow-up instructions and support throughout your recovery.
Meet our Intracept® Specialists
Dr. Derek Watson
Dr. Derek Watson, a board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist at OrthoNC, is highly experienced in diagnosing and treating complex spine conditions. He is proud to offer the Intracept® Procedure as a minimally invasive solution for patients suffering from chronic vertebrogenic low back pain. With his patient-centered approach, Dr. Watson works closely with individuals to determine if Intracept is the right step toward lasting relief. Learn more.
Dr. Ryan Aschenbrener
Dr. Ryan Aschenbrener, a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist at OrthoNC, provides advanced, non-surgical care for patients experiencing chronic spine and musculoskeletal pain. As part of his comprehensive approach to spine care, Dr. Aschenbrener offers the Intracept® Procedure, a minimally invasive treatment designed to target vertebrogenic low back pain at its source. He develops individualized treatment plans focused on reducing pain, restoring function, and helping patients get back to the activities that matter most. Learn more.
Ready to Find Relief? Schedule Your Consultation Today
At OrthoNC, we’re committed to delivering advanced, patient-focused care, and the Intracept® Procedure is one of the many innovative solutions we offer to help patients find lasting relief from chronic low back pain. With a team of experienced spine specialists, including Dr. Derek Watson, you can trust that your treatment will be guided by expertise, compassion, and a dedication to long-term results. If you’ve been living with persistent lower back pain and want to know if the Intracept Procedure is right for you, we’re here to help. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward a pain-free future.
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