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What You Need To Know About The Intracept Procedure?

A minimally invasive procedure known as the Intracept Procedure targets the basivertebral nerve in order to relieve chronic vertebrogenic low back pain.It is possible that conservative treatment options do not yield satisfactory results. It does not require implants or hardware. Several studies link disc degeneration-induced pain to the vertex endplate. BVN transmits pain to end plates via spinal cord.

Endplate degeneration results in the release of inflammatory mediators, which escalate the inflammatory response. MRI images reveal modic changes in vertebral endplates as a result of this process. By inserting a needle into the pedicle of the back, Intracept is able to relieve chronic low back pain. By applying radiofrequency energy to the vertebral body, the basivertebral nerve is ablated. This reduces the level of pain experienced by disc space endplates.

Intracept's Procedure in treating Chronic Low Back Pain

Pain Management in Dallas provides high-quality medical treatment for chronic back pain. Throughout the vertebral column, the basivertebral nerve is the main nerve that receives the Intercept medication. 

  • By using radiofrequency energy, a small probe can deliver heat that deadens or eliminates problematic nerves. 

  • In the event of nerve ablation, pain signals are no longer transmitted by the nerve. Intracept is a minimally invasive procedure that disrupts pain signals traveling along the vertebral nerves. 

  • Sedated patients receive local anesthetics. 

  • Fluoroscopic X-ray guidance allows your physician to access the painful vertebrae with a small introducer needle. 

  • By inserting a probe through the channel, introducer needles create channels through vertebral bones to the basivertebral nerve. Using heat, a probe blocks pain signals before they reach the brain by burning the nerve. 

  • After the sedation wears off, you will be monitored during the intracept procedure in Fort Worth as the instruments are removed and a small bandage is placed.

  • After completion of the procedure, you can drive yourself home easily.

Conditions treated By Intracept Procedure

An effective treatment option for chronic pain is the Intracept procedure.

This procedure treats various conditions throughout the body.

Intracept Procedure Suitable for:

  • Chronic low back pain (6 months) 

  • Physical therapy and cortisone injections have not been successful in treating the condition

  • Modic changes on MRI in the L3-4, L4-5, or L5-S1

  • Vacuum discs, endplate changes, and fissured fibrovascular bone marrow may show signs of inflammation, edema, disruption, and/or fissures

Not Suitable for:

While Intracept has many advantages, it is not suitable for:

  • Modic changes on MRI

  • Patients with Modic 3 changes (end-stage sclerosis)

  • Scoliosis patients 

  • The patient has a severe cardiac or pulmonary condition 

  • Infections that are active on a systemic or local level 

  • Pregnant women 

  • A patient with an immature skeletal structure (generally under 18) 

  • The presence of implantable pulse generators (e.g pacemakers, defibrillators) or other electronic devices in a patient.

What Can I Expect After an Intracept Procedure?

The nurse in the recovery area will monitor you for the first 60 minutes following sedation administration. Upon discharge from the hospital, your driver will take you home. Take the remainder of the day to relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones. Afterwards, you will be able to resume your normal activities as soon as possible. The site of the injection may be tender or experience aggravated symptoms for a period of time following the injection. Ice packs can provide pain relief if applied to the affected area. Immediately following the procedure, you should refrain from performing any strenuous or specific movements. Following your discharge from the hospital, your physician will discuss with you the appropriate course of action. The Intracept Procedure Hillsboro may be worth considering if you have been suffering from chronic low back pain for six months or more.

What are Benefits of Intracept Procedure?

Benefits of intracept procedure are as follow:

  • Long-term Pain Relief

You may relieve low back pain with this treatment. Specifically, Intracept targets nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals to the brain. Small segments of your basivertebral nerve are ablated to permanently stop pain signals. The use of this medication may provide relief from certain types of chronic low back pain.

  • When Conservative Measures Don't Work

When chronic lower back pain persists for longer than six months without responding to other conservative treatments such as epidural nerve blocks and trigger point injections. Then, a procedure like this is generally regarded as one that is very safe to perform. Ablation no longer transmits pain signals through these nerves. Occasionally, this option may be available if conservative treatments are ineffective.  A common complaint is low back pain, which is difficult to treat. In order to determine if conservative treatments are effective for you, doctors prescribe them at the beginning.  Conservative treatment options for low back pain include physical therapy, steroid injections, and prescription medications. Conservative treatments can reduce pain. There are, however, other options if basic care does not suffice. Patients with chronic low back pain who have exhausted all alternatives are eligible for intercept procedures. 

  • It’s implant-Free

Back pain is treated with implants. An example of a structural implant would be a screw or plate, or an example of an electrical implant would be a spinal cord stimulator. For some individuals, implants can provide pain relief, but this may not be the case for all. Low back pain is treated with radiofrequency ablation during the Intracept Procedure. As a result, doctors heat a small part of your basivertebral nerve in your spine to prevent pain signals. Pain physicians in Dallas can perform the Intracept procedure outpatiently since implants are not needed and the procedure is minimally invasive.

  • It’s an Outpatient Procedure

In addition to being minimally invasive, the Intracept Procedure does not require the implantation of implants. The procedure will not require you to stay overnight. It usually takes about 80 minutes to complete the Intracept procedure. The recovery room will be your place of rest as soon as your anesthetic wears off. The possibility exists that you can return home later that day.

What is the Recovery time Following the Intracept Procedure?

After an Intracept Procedure, patients typically require only a few days of recovery. This is an outpatient procedure that is minimally invasive and requires no hospitalization. It avoids the placement of implants and preserves the structural integrity of the spine. There are no restrictions following surgery, so most patients experience immediate pain relief. It usually takes a week or two for most patients to return to their normal activities for the Intracept procedure.

Dr Ali pain management offers back pain specialists who specialize in alleviating pain and discomfort caused by lower back problems such as lumbago. We encourage you to consult with a member of our team, such as Dr Z, if you want to get rid of chronic back pain.

Dr. Rao K. Ali M.D.

Dr. Rao Ali, a board-certified pain management physician, leads the clinic, which specializes in nonsurgical treatment. The physician has experience in the emergency room as well as training in pain management and rehabilitation. As a personal physician, he works with each patient to develop a treatment plan that will minimize or eliminate their pain. Providing expert diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of conditions, Pain Management In Dallas, PA provides a comprehensive range of services. These services include neck pain, back pain, hip and knee pain, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, complex regional pain syndrome, headaches, migraines, and many others.