Basivertebral Nerve Ablation

What is Basivertebral Nerve Ablation (Intracept)?

Basivertebral Nerve Ablation (BVNA) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic low back pain that originates from the vertebral endplates — a condition often referred to as vertebrogenic pain.

What are the benefits of a Basivertebral Nerve Ablation?

The basivertebral nerve runs inside the vertebral body and carries pain signals from the vertebral endplates to the brain. Basivertebral Nerve Ablation directly targets the source of pain when coming from vertebral endplates and is transmitted by the basivertebral nerve. By ablating this nerve, the procedure interrupts the pain signal at its origin, rather than just masking symptoms. Clinical studies show significant pain reduction lasting at least 5 years in many patients.

How does a Basivertebral Nerve Ablation work?

In many patients with chronic low back pain, the problem is vertebrogenic in nature — meaning pain coming from the vertebral endplates inside the bones of the spine. This is confirmed on MRI. When this condition occurs, destorying the nerve tissue so it can no longer transmit pain signals can provide long lasting relief. Since the nerve’s role is purely sensory for pain transmission (no movement or organ function), ablation does not cause weakness or paralysis.

How to prepare for a Basivertebral Nerve Ablation?

The first step to determine your eligibility to receive a Basivertebral Nerve Ablation is to perform a thorough physical examination and carefully consider your medical and family history.

– Medical Clearance (if needed)
If you have heart conditions, bleeding disorders, or infections, your provider may require clearance from your primary doctor or specialist.

What to expect after the procedure?

Basivertebral Nerve Ablation is usually performed in under 30 minutes per level treated with the patient’s ability to go home the same day after a short recovery period.

Following the procedure, there may be some discomfort and stiffness at the site, which typically improves with rest and ice. We recommend our patients go home and relax, however activity as tolerated will not undo the procedure. The recovery period is minimal, and you can resume all normal activities the following day. Most patients notice an improvement in a little as 2-4 weeks.