The Intracept® Procedure for Vertebrogenic Low Back Pain
July 29, 2025
Chronic low back pain is one of the most common causes of disability worldwide, impacting millions of individuals and reducing quality of life. While many patients assume their pain is caused by muscle strain or herniated discs, a significant percentage of people actually suffer from a lesser-known condition called vertebrogenic low back pain.
The Intracept® Procedure is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive treatment designed specifically to address this type of back pain at its source. If traditional conservative treatments haven’t worked for you, understanding this procedure could be a turning point in your journey toward relief.
What Is Vertebrogenic Low Back Pain?
Vertebrogenic pain is a specific type of chronic low back pain that originates in the vertebral endplates—the thin layer of bone and cartilage between the vertebral body and the intervertebral disc. This pain is typically caused by damage or inflammation of these endplates, which in turn activates a nerve inside the bone called the basivertebral nerve (BVN).
Research has shown that the BVN transmits pain signals when the vertebral endplates are irritated or degenerated, commonly seen on MRIs as Modic Type 1 or Type 2 changes.
Common Symptoms of Vertebrogenic Pain
- Chronic aching in the low back (especially in the midline)
- Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or lifting
- Poor response to typical treatments like physical therapy or injections
- MRI findings showing Modic changes in the vertebral endplates
What Is the Intracept® Procedure?
The Intracept Procedure is a minimally invasive outpatient treatment that targets the basivertebral nerve, effectively “turning off” the nerve that carries pain signals from the damaged vertebral endplates.
The procedure involves:
- Using fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance to insert a small probe into the vertebral body
- Targeting the BVN through a specialized approach
- Using radiofrequency energy to ablate (burn and disable) the nerve
This effectively interrupts the pain signaling pathway from the vertebrae to the brain—without affecting the spinal cord or surrounding nerves.
Who Is a Candidate for the Intracept Procedure?
Not everyone with back pain is a candidate. Ideal candidates typically:
- Have chronic low back pain lasting 6 months or longer
- Have tried conservative treatments like medication, physical therapy, or injections without sufficient relief
- Have MRI evidence of Modic Type 1 or Type 2 changes at L3 to S1 vertebrae
- Are not experiencing radicular (leg) pain as their primary symptom
Benefits of the Intracept Procedure
- Minimally invasive: Requires only a small incision
- No hardware implanted: Unlike spinal fusion, no screws or rods are used
- Outpatient: Most patients go home the same day
- Fast recovery: Most patients return to normal activity within a few days
- Lasting relief: Clinical studies have shown significant and sustained reduction in pain for years post-procedure
What to Expect During and After the Procedure
Before: You’ll undergo an evaluation including MRI imaging. If Modic changes are present and symptoms align, your physician may recommend Intracept.
During: The procedure takes about 1–1.5 hours. You’ll receive local anesthesia and possibly light sedation.
After: Mild soreness may occur for a few days. Most patients resume light activity quickly, with full recovery expected within weeks.
Clinical Evidence Supporting Intracept
Multiple studies, including randomized controlled trials, have shown that the Intracept Procedure offers long-term relief for vertebrogenic pain:
- SMART Trial: Demonstrated significant improvement in pain and function for up to 5 years post-procedure.
- INSITE Trial: Showed that patients undergoing Intracept had much greater pain relief compared to those receiving standard care.
These results have led to increased adoption of the procedure among spine care specialists.
Is It Covered by Insurance?
Many commercial insurers and Medicare now cover the Intracept Procedure, especially if you meet the clinical criteria. Your provider’s office will usually verify coverage in advance.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve struggled with chronic low back pain and haven’t found relief from conventional therapies, it may be time to explore whether vertebrogenic pain is the culprit. The Intracept® Procedure offers a minimally invasive, lasting solution by targeting the source of pain—the basivertebral nerve.
Speak with a spine specialist to determine if this innovative treatment could be the answer you’ve been looking for.