Do you suffer from chronic lower back pain that’s made worse by physical activity, prolonged sitting, bending forward and/or bending and lifting? If so, you could have what’s known as vertebrogenic pain. There have been very few treatment options for this distinct type of lower back pain, until now. Dr. Antigone Argyriou is one of the first providers to offer the revolutionary Intracept procedure. The minimally invasive, implant-free treatment provides long-term relief for patients diagnosed with vertebrogenic low back pain.
Benefits of the Intracept Procedure
Long-term pain relief
Intracept alleviates pain and improves function in a single procedure. Patients in a recent study reported pain relief lasting more than five years.
Safe and minimally invasive
The Intracept procedure is safe, minimally invasive and FDA-cleared. It takes about an hour and is performed on an outpatient basis.
Maintains spine structure
A type of radiofrequency ablation, the Intracept procedure is implant-free and preserves the overall structure of the spine.
Who Can Benefit From the Intracept Procedure?
Dr. Argyriou may recommend the Intracept procedure if you have vertebrogenic low back pain that has lasted more than six months and hasn’t responded to conservative treatments. Vertebrogenic low back pain is caused by damage to the vertebral endplates – the structures found on either side of the disc. This damage is often the result of degenerative disc disease or daily wear and tear.
How Does the Intracept Procedure Work?
The Intracept procedure is minimally invasive and performed under anesthesia. Dr. Argryiou makes a tiny incision in your back and uses x-ray guidance to access the vertebral body. She then inserts a specialized radiofrequency probe into the trunk of the basivertebral nerve (BVN). Radiofrequency heat ablates (damages) the BVN, stopping it from sending pain signals to the brain.
FAQ
What is vertebrogenic low back pain?
Vertebrogenic pain is a specific type of low back pain caused by damage to the vertebral endplates. Many patients suffering from it have been previously diagnosed with discogenic low back pain or degenerative disc disease. The pain is often described as being in the middle of the low back and made worse by prolonged sitting, physical activity, bending and lifting and/or bending forward.
How effective is the Intracept procedure for back pain?
The Intracept procedure is extremely effective for vertebrogenic low back pain. It’s supported by multiple clinical studies, including two randomized controlled trials. 75% of the patients in the trials reported sustained pain relief and functional improvement five years after a single Intracept procedure. This is likely because the basivertebral nerve (BVN), which is targeted during the procedure, doesn’t appear to have the ability to grow back as a pain-transmitting nerve like other nerves in the body.
Is the Intracept procedure safe?
Yes, the Intracept procedure is safe. The treatment is FDA-cleared, minimally invasive and has an extremely low risk of complications. When you visit us for the Intracept procedure on Long Island, Dr. Argyriou will assess your health history and condition to ensure you’re a good candidate for the treatment.
What should you avoid after an epidural steroid injection?What is the Intracept procedure recovery time?
The Intracept procedure recovery time depends on your unique situation. However, most patients are able to return to work or school within a few days and are fully recovered in one to two weeks.
Less Pain, More Living
Find out how we can help you achieve freedom from pain. To get started, schedule a consultation with our Long Island spine surgeon today!
