The Intracept Procedure in Delray Beach for Pain Management 

Discover pain management with care and compassion at Certified Spine & Pain Care.

Back pain comes in two main varieties:

• Disc-related pain, results from the degeneration of intervertebral discs
• Vertebrogenic pain, which stems from vertebral endplates

The two types of pain require different treatment modalities.

The Intracept Procedure targets the causes of vertebrogenic back pain. This outpatient procedure can provide long-lasting relief from chronic low back pain. If other treatments have not worked, then the Intracept Procedure may be a viable treatment alternative.

Certified Spine & Pain Care offers a wide range of pain management therapies. To learn more about the Intracept Procedure in Delray Beach, FL, give us a call.

We invite you to read our many satisfied customer reviews and testimonials.

What Are Modic Changes?

The Intracept Procedure treats modic changes in the spine, which occur when changes to the spine affects the bone marrow and bone structure. Physicians have identified four subcategories of modic changes:

• Type 0 modic changes indicate normal, healthy bone marrow and spine structure.
•  Type I changes involve vertebral swelling and edema (fluid build-up).
•  Type II changes involve fatty deposits replacing bone marrow.
•  Type III changes involve structural changes and thickening of the vertebrae.

Doctors do not fully understand the causes of modic changes, but they are more common in women, overweight patients, and those with cardiovascular problems.

Diagnosing Modic Changes

Modic changes can be hard to detect, as they often present as degenerative disc disease. Doctors typically use MRIs to diagnose modic changes, as those give an image of the spine’s anatomical structure.

Common symptoms of modic changes in the spine include:

• Constant back or neck pain
• Discomfort and stiffness
• Loss of mobility or functionality
•  Failure of traditional pain management techniques, like exercise and physical therapy

What Does the Intracept Procedure Involve?

The Intracept Procedure is a minimally invasive procedure. It begins with the doctor making a small incision near the base of your spine. Using a fluoroscope, the doctor will create a channel through the vertebral body and feed a tiny tube through the hole.

Then, the doctor will place a small radiofrequency device near the trunk of the basivertebral nerve. The radiofrequency device generates heat, preventing the nerve from relaying pain signals to the rest of the body. Afterward, the surgeon will remove the radiofrequency device and close the incision site. The Intracept Procedure is implant-free, and the results are permanent.

Feel free to call us at Certified Spine & Pain Care if you have any questions about receiving the Intracept Procedure in Delray Beach, FL.

Benefits of the Intracept Procedure

Reduces Pain

The Intracept Procedure is highly effective at relieving pain. Patients report up to a 53% pain reduction for up to 24 months after the procedure, and many patients even report immediate pain relief.

Minimally Invasive

The Intracept Procedure is a minimally invasive surgery that only takes about two hours to complete. You can receive the surgery in an outpatient facility and return to your home the same day. You won’t have to stay in the hospital, and the procedure will not negatively affect your day-to-day functioning.

Implant-Free

Implants are a common solution for a wide range of back pain. While effective, implants involve a long recovery time, and your body can reject them. In contrast, the Intracept Procedure is 100% implant-free. The doctor will remove the radiofrequency device and close the incision, leaving the original structure and integrity of the spine intact.

Treatment Alternative

Many patients may feel that the only solution for stubborn back pain is open surgery. The Intracept Procedure is a minimally invasive alternative treatment if conservative pain management treatments do not work.

Intracept Procedure Contraindications

As is the case with any medical procedure, the Intracept Procedure has limitations and risks. Specifically, the procedure has several contraindications and may not be suitable for patients with:

• Pulmonary or cardiac issues
•  Pregnancy
•  Skeletal immaturity
•  Pacemakers or other electronic devices
• Active infection of the incision site

Patients may feel some localized swelling and sensitivity near the incision area after the procedure. But, generally speaking, the Intracept Procedure is extremely safe and has very few notable side effects.

Be sure to talk to your physician about the risks and whether the Intracept Procedure is right for you.

If you are interested, feel free to learn more about our services and our team of physicians.

Pain Management in Delray Beach, FL

At Certified Spine & Pain Care, we understand that pain management is rarely a one-size-fits-all procedure. Our experienced team will work with you to find a pain management plan that meets your needs.

If you are interested in learning more about getting the Intracept Procedure in Delray Beach, FL, contact us at (561) 815-8032 today to request an appointment!