The Intracept® Procedure: Bringing Relief to Chronic Back Pain
At InterSpine Pain and Wellness Center, our mission is to deliver the most advanced, evidence-based treatments to help patients reclaim their lives from chronic pain. We are proud to announce that Dr. Sal Hemani recently performed a successful Intracept® Procedure, a groundbreaking treatment option for patients suffering from chronic vertebrogenic low back pain.
What Makes the Intracept® Procedure Different?
The Intracept® Procedure, developed by Relievant and now part of Boston Scientific, is unique because it targets the basivertebral nerve (BVN), which transmits pain signals from damaged vertebral endplates.
- Using a minimally invasive approach, Dr. Hemani guides a specialized probe into the vertebra under fluoroscopic guidance.
- Radiofrequency energy is then used to gently ablate (deactivate) the basivertebral nerve.
- This stops the nerve from carrying chronic pain signals to the brain—without changing the structure of the spine or requiring any implants.
The procedure typically takes less than 90 minutes, and most patients go home the same day. Relief often begins within a few weeks, with studies showing results that last for years.
Why It Matters for Patients with Chronic Back Pain
Chronic low back pain is one of the most disabling conditions worldwide. Standard treatments—like medications, injections, or physical therapy—can provide short-term relief but often don't address the root cause for certain patients.
The Intracept® Procedure is different:
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Clinically proven: Supported by Level I randomized controlled trials, the highest standard of medical evidence. This includes the INTRACEPT and the SMART trials, which demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in pain and function compared to standard care and sham procedures.
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Long-lasting relief: Many patients report 5+ years of sustained improvement from a single treatment, with improvements in pain scores, disability indices, and opioid use.
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Improved function: Patients regain mobility and reduce reliance on pain medications, including opioids, both in clinical trials and real-world studies.
Who Can Benefit from the Intracept® Procedure?
You may be a candidate if you have:
- Chronic low back pain that has lasted 6 months or longer
- Little or no relief from conservative treatments
- MRI evidence of Modic changes (Type I or II) in your vertebral endplates
For the right patient, Intracept® offers a life-changing option where other therapies have failed.
A Word from Dr. Hemani
"Basivertebral nerve ablation provides superior and sustained pain and disability reduction compared to standard care. There is strong evidence supporting its effectiveness in chronic vertebrogenic low back pain. I'm proud to provide advanced solutions such as the Intracept® Procedure at InterSpine."
– Dr. Sal Hemani
Next Steps for Patients
If you or a loved one has been struggling with chronic low back pain that hasn't responded to traditional care, the Intracept® Procedure may be the breakthrough you've been waiting for.
Contact InterSpine Pain and Wellness Center to schedule a consultation and learn more about whether this advanced treatment option is right for you.
