Have you been suffering from back pain for a long time? Perhaps you have tried medication, physiotherapy, and various injections, but there is no relief. There are some types of back pain, the exact cause of which is difficult to find. Today, we are talking about a very successful, modern treatment for a very specific type of back pain.
So what is this Intracept procedure?
Simply put, the Intracept procedure , or in medical terms, Basivertebral Nerve Ablation , is a minimally invasive treatment for a specific type of chronic back pain. This specific type of back pain is called vertebrogenic pain .
The word "vertebrogenic" means "originating in the vertebrae." This means that this pain originates within the vertebrae in your spine.
Imagine, our spine is made up of a stack of tiny bones stacked on top of each other. Between these two bones is a jelly-like cushion. We call it the spinal disc. Where this cushion and the two bones above and below meet, there is a protective covering on the side of the bone. These are called endplates . These are like a lid on the bone. When these endplates are damaged, the basivertebral nerve inside the vertebrae is stimulated and pain begins to occur.
The Intracept procedure uses radiofrequency energy to very gently deactivate the basivertebral nerve, which is the source of the pain. In other words, it heats up the nerve and stops the pain signals from going to the brain. This will relieve your back pain.
Doctors usually recommend this treatment for people who have not been helped by medications, injections, or physical therapy. It is also a much simpler, less risky option than major spinal surgery.
How do you prepare for this treatment?
Since this treatment is usually done under general anesthesia, you cannot go to and from the hospital alone. You need someone to take you and bring you back.
Also, you should tell your doctor about any medications, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. You may be asked to stop taking certain medications a few days before your treatment.
What happens during treatment?
This is a relatively simple process that takes about an hour and a half. It usually involves a few steps like this.
| Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Preparation | You will be turned face down on an examination table and lie down. Then the anesthesiologist will put you under general anesthesia. |
| 2. Applying a small incision | The doctor makes a very small incision in your back where the relevant vertebra is located. |
| 3. Inserting the device | Using a special X-ray machine (fluoroscopy), a very thin tube (cannula) is passed through the incision and into the relevant vertebra. |
| 4. Reaching the nerve | Then, using small instruments, a small passage is created right where the basivertebral nerve is located. |
| 5. Nerve ablation | A small device that emits radiofrequency energy (a radiofrequency probe) is passed along that path, heating the nerve and disabling it. |
| 6. Finishing | Finally, all the instruments are removed and the small incision is closed with stitches. |
This is an outpatient procedure. This means that once you regain consciousness after anesthesia, you can go home the same day.
What should I be concerned about after treatment?
Your doctor will give you clear instructions on what you should and shouldn't do after treatment. Generally, it is important to rest and avoid exercise for the first two days (48 hours).
There may be some soreness at the incision site for a few days. Some people may experience some bruising and swelling. This is normal. You can take a simple pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for this pain. However, be sure to ask your doctor before taking any medication.
What are the benefits of this treatment?
There are several benefits to the Intracept procedure.
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Minimally invasive | There is no big incision, just one small one. So it is much simpler than a major surgery. |
| Very successful | This treats the nerve that is causing the pain (the pain source). Therefore, it is very effective for people with vertebrogenic pain. |
| Long-lasting results | Studies have shown that many people who have undergone this treatment have been able to remain pain-free for 5 years or more. |
| Get well soon | The recovery time is much shorter than for major surgery. You can usually recover completely in a week or two. |
Are there any risks with this treatment?
As with any surgery, complications can occur very rarely, but they are not common.
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- Increased back pain
If you want to know more about this, talk to your doctor. He or she will explain how appropriate this is for you and what the risks are, based on your situation.
What time should I see the doctor?
If you develop any signs of infection after returning home after treatment, you should seek medical advice immediately.
| Call your doctor immediately! | |
|---|---|
| If you have the following symptoms: | |
| - Fever over 101°F (38.3°C) | |
| - If you feel cold and shivering (Chills) | |
| - If there is redness and a feeling of heat around the incision | |
| - If a pus-like fluid is draining from the cut | |
| - If the swelling continues to increase after three or four days | |
| - If the pain does not subside despite taking medication | |
Are there people for whom this treatment is not suitable?
Yes, this treatment is not suitable for everyone. This treatment is generally not recommended for people with the following conditions:
- For pregnant women
- People with a pacemaker or other implantable electronic medical device
- For those with an active infection in the body
- For those with heart disease or poor heart function
- For those with weakened pulmonary function
If you have had back pain for more than 6 months and it hasn't improved with standard treatments, talk to your doctor about the Intracept procedure. After conducting tests like an MRI to confirm that your pain is caused by vertebrogenic pain, he or she will decide whether this treatment is right for you.
Take-Home Message
- The Intracept procedure is a modern, minimally invasive treatment for specific types of pain that occur within a vertebra in the spine (vertebral disc pain).
- This involves inactivating the basivertebral nerve, which is causing the pain, with radiofrequency heat.
- This is a good option for those who have not been able to get relief from conventional treatments like medication and physiotherapy. It is much simpler than major surgery.
- The treatment is effective, the results are long-lasting, and the recovery time is short.
- Only your doctor can determine if this treatment is right for you. Therefore, seek medical advice if you have persistent back pain.
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