The Intracept Procedure
The Intracept procedure is an innovative, minimally invasive treatment for a specific type of chronic low back pain called vertebrogenic pain — pain originating from the vertebral endplates and the basivertebral nerve, the sensory nerve that runs through the center of each vertebra.
What Is Vertebrogenic Pain?
Recent research has revealed that a significant portion of chronic low back pain originates not from the disc itself, but from the nerve endings within the vertebral endplates — the top and bottom surfaces of each vertebra. On MRI, this appears as Modic changes (bright signal changes in the vertebral body on MRI). Studies suggest that up to 35% of patients with chronic low back pain have vertebrogenic pain as the primary driver.
How Intracept Works
A small probe is inserted into the center of the vertebra through a minimally invasive approach (through the pedicle — the bony bridge connecting the vertebral body to the spine). Radiofrequency energy is then delivered to ablate the basivertebral nerve, permanently disabling pain transmission from the vertebral endplates.
The procedure is performed under general or conscious sedation as an outpatient. Most patients go home the same day.
Who Is a Candidate?
Intracept is FDA-cleared for patients with:
- Chronic low back pain lasting 6+ months
- Modic Type 1 or Type 2 changes on MRI
- Failed conservative treatment (medications, physical therapy, injections)
- No evidence of disc herniation with radiculopathy as the primary pain driver
Results
The INTRACEPT clinical trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine Evidence, showed significant and durable improvement in pain and function — with 75% of treated patients achieving clinically meaningful pain reduction maintained at 2-year follow-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Intracept permanent? Yes. Basivertebral nerve ablation creates a permanent lesion in the nerve. Unlike medial branch ablation (which treats a regenerating nerve), the basivertebral nerve does not regenerate in the same way, making Intracept outcomes more durable.
Does insurance cover Intracept? Medicare has established coverage for Intracept. Commercial insurance coverage varies — our office will verify your specific benefits.
How is recovery? Most patients experience soreness for 1–2 weeks, with gradual improvement over 6–8 weeks as inflammation resolves and the treated nerve ceases transmitting pain signals.
Contact Us
Call 516-492-3100 to find out if your MRI shows Modic changes and whether Intracept may be appropriate for your chronic low back pain.