Zapping Away Chronic Lower Back Pain: An Overview of the Intracept® Procedure
Chronic lower back pain is a common problem that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. One potential cause of chronic lower back pain is degenerative disc disease (DDD), which is a condition that occurs when the discs between the vertebrae in the spine begin to break down over time. Traditional treatments for DDD include physical therapy, medication, and surgery, but a new minimally invasive procedure called the Intracept® Procedure may provide a promising alternative for some patients.
What is the Intracept® Procedure?
The Intracept® Procedure is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to treat chronic lower back pain caused by degenerative disc disease. Specifically, it targets the basivertebral nerve, which is a pain-sensing nerve that runs through the vertebral bodies in the spine.
During the Intracept® Procedure, a small incision is made in the patient’s back, and a specialized device is inserted through the incision and positioned near the affected vertebra. The device uses radiofrequency energy to selectively ablate or disable the basivertebral nerve, which can provide pain relief by interrupting the transmission of pain signals from the spine to the brain.
What is the Intracept® Procedure Indicated For?
The Intracept® Procedure is indicated for patients with chronic lower back pain who have not responded to other conservative treatments. It is specifically intended for patients with degenerative disc disease, and it is not recommended for patients with other underlying spinal conditions (spinal stenosis, spondylosis, radiculopathy, etc.) or for patients with acute lower back pain.
How Effective is the Intracept® Procedure?
Several studies have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the Intracept® Procedure. One study published in the journal Pain Medicine in 2017 found that patients who underwent the Intracept® Procedure experienced significant improvements in pain and function compared to patients who received a sham treatment. Another study published in the journal Spine in 2018 found that the Intracept® Procedure provided significant pain relief for up to two years in patients with chronic lower back pain caused by degenerative disc disease.
While the available evidence suggests that the Intracept® Procedure can be an effective treatment for chronic lower back pain caused by degenerative disc disease, it is important to note that it may not work for everyone. Additionally, more research is needed to determine the long-term efficacy of the procedure.
Risks and Benefits of the Intracept® Procedure
As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with the Intracept® Procedure. Some potential risks include bleeding, infection, nerve damage, and complications related to anesthesia. Additionally, there is a risk that the procedure may not be effective in relieving pain or that the pain may return over time.
Despite these potential risks, the Intracept® Procedure offers several potential benefits for patients with chronic lower back pain caused by degenerative disc disease. It is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed on an outpatient basis, which means that patients can typically return home the same day. Additionally, the procedure is associated with minimal scarring, and most patients are able to return to their normal activities within a few days.
Alternatives to the Intracept® Procedure
While the Intracept® Procedure may be an effective treatment option for some patients with chronic lower back pain caused by degenerative disc disease, there are several alternative treatments that may be appropriate depending on a patient’s specific condition. Some of these treatments include physical therapy, medication, spinal fusion surgery, and artificial disc replacement surgery. Physical therapy is often recommended as a first-line treatment for patients with chronic lower back.
