Intracept Procedure

Pacific Pain Physicians

Interventional Pain Management Specialists located in Santa Barbara, CA & San Luis Obispo, CA

Millions of people experience low back pain every year which can become a chronic condition. There are several sources of the spine that can cause low back pain but the vertebral body itsels (the weight bearing bone) is a common source of pain. Fortunately, intracept is a procedure designed to address pain stemming from the bone endplates. Contact Pacific Pain Physicians to make an appointment and to find out if you are a candidate!

Intracept Q&A

What is Intracept?

The Intracept Procedure is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure for patients with vertebrogenic pain. The procedure targets a specific nerve within the vertebra called the nerve and has been shown to improve function and relieve pain long-term.

What happens during Intracept?

Before recommending kyphoplasty, your doctor performs a physical exam including diagnostic imaging studies such as X-rays or MRIs to identify and locate your damaged vertebra.

Pacific Pain Physicians prepare you for Intracept by placing an IV to deliver anesthesia, anti-nausea medicine, and antibiotics. You lie on your stomach during the procedure, and your physician begins by injecting a local anesthetic into your back.

Then, using fluoroscopy, a special type of X-ray, they guide a hollow needle through your skin and into the damaged vertebrae. Next, they insert a radiofrequency probe through the hollow needle. Then the Intracept radiofrequency generator is used to create a lesion of the basivertebral nerve.

Your physician removes the probe and repeats until all affected levels are treated. When the procedure is complete, your doctor removes the needle and bandages the injection site.

What should I expect while recovering from Intracept?

Intracept usually takes about an hour for 2 vertebrae. Following your surgery, you recover under observation and are encouraged to get up and walk around as the anesthesia wears off. Your doctor provides personalized instructions regarding physical activity and post-surgery pain management. In most cases, over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs will sufficiently relieve your discomfort.

Am I a good candidate for Intracpet?

Intracept is an excellent treatment option to relieve low back pain stemming from a vertebrogenic source. Many patients experience this pain with bending forward, sitting, or twisting motions. This can affect people as young as their 20s and up to their 80s.

If you have back pain, call Pacific Pain Physicians or schedule a consultation online today to find out if Intracept is right for you.

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