If you’ve been living with chronic low back pain that just won’t go away—even after trying physical therapy, medications, or injections—you’re not alone. Many people experience a type of back pain that originates from the vertebrae themselves, and traditional treatments often miss the mark. At North Texas Orthopedics, the Intracept® Procedure offers a safe, effective option for long-term relief.
What Is the Intracept® Procedure?
The Intracept® Procedure is a minimally invasive, implant-free treatment designed to address vertebrogenic low back pain—pain caused by inflammation in the vertebral endplates, the connection point between the discs and the vertebrae. This type of pain is transmitted through the basivertebral nerve, which the Intracept® Procedure specifically targets.
During the procedure, a probe is inserted into the vertebra, and radiofrequency energy is used to ablate (or deactivate) the basivertebral nerve. This stops the nerve from sending pain signals, providing long-term relief at the source of the problem.
Signs and Symptoms of Vertebrogenic Pain
You may be experiencing vertebrogenic pain if your symptoms include:
- Persistent low back pain lasting six months or longer
- Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or physical activity
- Minimal or no relief from physical therapy, injections, or medications
An MRI scan showing Modic changes (signs of inflammation in the vertebral endplates) is often used to confirm the diagnosis and determine candidacy for the procedure.
What to Expect During and After the Procedure
The Intracept® Procedure is performed in an outpatient setting and typically takes less than an hour. There are no implants, and patients are able to return to light activity within a few days.
Many people begin to feel relief around six weeks after the procedure, with continued improvement over time. Clinical studies show strong results, with long-term pain reduction and improved function in daily life.
Why Choose Intracept®?
- Minimally invasive, outpatient procedure
- FDA-cleared and clinically proven
- No implants or hardware
- Long-lasting relief from vertebrogenic pain
Trust the Experts at North Texas Orthopedics
At North Texas Orthopedics, both Dr. Christopher Tucker and Dr. Melissa Murphy are trained and experienced in performing the Intracept® Procedure. They take a comprehensive and patient-centered approach to spine care—offering advanced treatments that are backed by research and tailored to your needs.
If chronic low back pain is impacting your life and other treatments haven’t worked, Dr. Tucker and Dr. Murphy are here to help you explore whether Intracept® is the right next step. Visit our website to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward lasting relief.