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Chronic low back pain often comes from nerve signals in the spine. At Desert Pain Specialists in Rancho Mirage, California, Roland Reinhart, MD, and Meaghan Berglund, PA-C, offer the Intracept™ procedure, a minimally invasive treatment that targets the basivertebral nerve. By stopping these pain signals, many patients experience lasting relief and improved function. Call Desert Pain Specialists or use the online booking feature to see if Intracept can help your back pain.
Intracept Q & A
What is the Intracept procedure?
Intracept is a minimally invasive treatment for chronic low back pain that originates from the vertebrae.
It targets a specific nerve inside the spine, known as the basivertebral nerve, which transmits pain signals from the vertebral body. By stopping these signals, many patients experience lasting pain relief.
Intracept is FDA-cleared, and multiple clinical studies show it’s safe and effective. Because it doesn’t involve implants or major surgery, the risk of complications is low.
Who is a candidate for Intracept?
Intracept treatment is for adults with chronic low back pain that has lasted at least six months and hasn’t improved with conservative options like medication, injections, or physical therapy.
Imaging studies, such as an MRI, help the Desert Pain Specialists team determine if lower back pain is related to changes in the vertebrae, which would make someone a good candidate.
How does Intracept work?
During the Intracept procedure, your provider makes a small incision in your lower back and guides a specialized probe into the vertebra. Using radiofrequency energy, they gently heat the basivertebral nerve, stopping it from sending pain signals to the brain. The structure of your spine remains unchanged.
Some patients notice improvement within a few weeks, while for others, relief comes gradually. Most experience steady pain reduction over several months. Follow-up care may include physical therapy to help strengthen the back and improve mobility.
What conditions can Intracept treat?
Intracept is specifically designed for patients with vertebrogenic low back pain — pain caused by degeneration and inflammation within the vertebral bodies.
It isn’t suitable for patients with pain originating from herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or arthritis in the facet joints.
The Desert Pain Specialists team carefully evaluates each patient to determine if Intracept is appropriate. They then create a personalized care plan that focuses on achieving lasting relief and improving quality of life.
What are the benefits of Intracept?
The main benefits Intracept offers include significant and long-lasting pain relief, improved function, and reduced dependence on pain medications.
Since the procedure is minimally invasive, patients typically return home the same day and resume light activities within a few days.
Contact Desert Pain Specialists to learn more about Intracept and its benefits for lower back pain. Call the office or book an appointment online today.