A same-day minimally invasive procedure — also known as Intracept — that targets the basivertebral nerve, a common and frequently overlooked source of chronic low back pain, and deactivates it at its origin inside the vertebral body.
Candidacy
Who This May Help
BVNA may be an option if you have been living with chronic low back pain for six months or more and have not found lasting relief through physical therapy, chiropractic care, medications, injections, or surgery. It is particularly relevant for patients whose MRI shows Modic changes — specific findings at the vertebral endplates that indicate the basivertebral nerve may be the primary source of pain.
A consultation with our clinical team will determine whether you are a candidate.
Procedure Overview
How Basivertebral Nerve Ablation Works
BVNA uses radiofrequency energy to deactivate a small nerve inside the vertebral body that has been transmitting pain signals from damaged endplates to the brain. By targeting this nerve, the procedure addresses the pain at its source rather than masking it temporarily. This is the same nerve that the Intracept system is designed to treat — BVNA and Intracept refer to the same procedure.
The procedure is performed through a minimal incision of less than 1 cm. It is a same-day outpatient procedure — patients go home the same day with little to no recovery time, aside from some expected post-procedure soreness.
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Recovery & Results
What to Expect After the Procedure
Patients typically begin experiencing pain relief anywhere from one to two weeks after the procedure, with continued improvement through four to eight weeks and beyond. Many patients report ongoing gains over the following months.
Normal daily activities can typically be resumed within a day or two of the procedure. Some post-procedure soreness at the treatment site is expected and resolves on its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions
BVNA may be appropriate for patients with chronic low back pain of six months or more who have not found lasting relief through physical therapy, chiropractic care, medications, injections, or surgery. MRI findings showing Modic changes at the vertebral endplates are a strong indicator that the basivertebral nerve may be the primary pain source.
Intracept is the brand name for the basivertebral nerve ablation system. The procedure itself is called basivertebral nerve ablation — Intracept refers to the specific technology used to deliver it. Both terms refer to the same treatment.
BVNA uses radiofrequency energy delivered through a small incision to deactivate the basivertebral nerve inside the vertebral body — the nerve responsible for transmitting pain signals from damaged endplates to the brain. By targeting this specific nerve, the procedure addresses the pain at its source rather than masking it temporarily.
Modic changes are specific MRI findings that indicate inflammation or damage at the vertebral endplates — the boundary between the disc and the vertebral bone. They are strongly associated with vertebrogenic low back pain caused by the basivertebral nerve. Patients with Modic changes and chronic low back pain who have not responded to other treatments are often good candidates for BVNA.
Normal daily activities can typically be resumed within a day or two. Pain relief usually begins within one to two weeks and continues to improve over four to eight weeks and beyond. Many patients report ongoing gains over the following months.
BVNA is covered by Medicare and many major commercial insurance plans for appropriately selected patients. Coverage criteria typically include a diagnosis of chronic vertebrogenic low back pain, the presence of Modic changes on MRI, and failure of conservative treatments. Our team will review your insurance coverage and clinical history at your consultation.
Schedule a Consultation
A consultation is the right starting point. Our clinical team will review your imaging and history to determine whether BVNA is the right next step for your back pain.
