The Intracept Procedure in Pompano Beach
Want to get rid of chronic lower back pain? Contact us at (561) 815-8032 for an appointment!
Many people experience chronic pain here in Pompano Beach, Florida. Our Certified Spine & Pain Care team can help you address neck and back pain through multiple treatments, including an intracept procedure. An intracept procedure in Pompano Beach can help relieve vertebrogenic back pain.
You can learn more about this treatment option from our customer reviews or by contacting us directly.
Basic Facts About the Intracept Procedure
The intracept procedure in Pompano Beach offers you a minimally invasive option for treating lower back pain. Patients who experience degenerative disc disease may pursue this treatment. The procedure targets pain from vertebral body endplates instead of intervertebral discs.
Patients should only seek this treatment after getting medical advice. Many people appreciate the procedure because it does not require any implants or hardware. The treatment may provide pain management for up to two years.
Due to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, doctors complete it on an outpatient basis. It works well for many patients who show no response to more conservative options.
Is the Intracept Procedure Right for You?
A medical professional can assess your compatibility with the intracept procedure. However, this procedure often works for individuals who:
- Show Type 1 or 2 Modic changes
- Experience lower back pain for a minimum of six months
- Have not received relief from conservative care
Doctors can use an MRI to determine if a patient has the appropriate Modic changes to necessitate the intracept procedure. Common indications of Modic changes can include edema, inflammation, and endplate fissures. Individuals with Type 1 Modic changes may also experience:
- Hypointensive signals
- Vertebral endplate changes
- The appearance of vascularized fibrous tissues in the marrow
Type 2 Modic changes include hyperintensive signals and additional differences found in the marrow.
Most medical practitioners also recommend that individuals attempt at least six months of more conservative care before recommending the procedure. Medical professionals may also advise against the use of the intracept procedure for some patients. The treatment may not benefit patients who have:
- Severe pulmonary or cardiac issues
- An active local or systemic infection
- An implantable pulse generator
Additionally, doctors do not recommend the procedure for pregnant individuals or patients under the age of 18. You may discuss the risks and benefits of the intracept procedure further with members of our team.
Steps in the Intracept Procedure
The intracept procedure in Pompano Beach typically involves four steps.
Step One
Doctors begin by accessing the pedicle. Each one of your vertebrae has two pedicles that project out of the back of the vertebrae. A medical professional extends a specially designed introducer cannula through the selected pedicle.
Step Two
After placing the introducer cannula, doctors use the tool to create a channel that extends directly to the basivertebral nerve. Doctors aim to reach the trunk—or central part—of the nerve to perform this treatment.
Step Three
Medical professionals use the path they made to insert an intracept radiofrequency probe into the spine. The doctors place the probe along the basivertebral nerve. This step allows doctors to prepare for the final part of the procedure.
Step Four
Finally, doctors use a generator attached to the intracept radiofrequency probe to ablate nerve tissue inside the spine. The procedure aims to reduce pain associated with the lower back directly, and the results may last up to 24 months.
Precautions for the Intracept Procedure
Doctors prepare carefully before performing the intracept procedure on patients here in Pompano Beach. You can expect to get an MRI or CT scan before your treatment. The scan helps doctors get familiar with the site of your treatment.
The intracept procedure occurs on an outpatient basis. However, doctors still take each step of the treatment very seriously. They maintain CT or fluoroscopic observation throughout the entire appointment to ensure they protect your spine.
Doctors also use a neutral electrode (or grounding pad) throughout the procedure to minimize any risks associated with the electrical current.
Our team can help you set up an intracept procedure if you experience lasting lower back pain. We also offer several additional treatment options, such as trigger point injections, spinal stenosis treatment, and the Vertiflex procedure.
Learn more about our doctors who can assess your specific medical needs before coming up with a treatment plan that works for you.
Let Us Handle Your Intracept Procedure
Doctors use the intracept procedure in Pompano Beach, FL, to treat lower back pain that does not respond to more conservative treatments. Here at Certified Spine & Pain Care, we can help you set up this procedure to help you deal with the pain associated with Modic changes in your spine. Find out more when you contact us at (561) 815-8032.