The Intracept Procedure in Wellington

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Approximately 65 million Americans experience mild to severe back pain every year. Back pain can significantly impact your ability to function in everyday life. Have you suffered from chronic back pain for more than six months? You may be a suitable candidate for the Intracept Procedure in Wellington, FL.

Certified Spine & Pain Care is here to help with all your pain management needs.

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What Is the Intracept Procedure?

The Intracept Procedure is a minimally invasive procedure to reduce vertebrogenic low back pain. Most physicians reserve the Intracept Procedure for patients who have been unresponsive to traditional, conservative treatments for back pain.

Doctors typically use the Intracept Procedure to treat chronic back resulting from modic changes in the vertebrae.

What Are Modic Changes?

The term “modic changes” refers to changes in the vertebrae in the spine. Doctors have identified four primary types of modic changes:

• Type 0 – Typical vertebrae and disc appearance
• Type I – Hyper vascularization in the vertebrae
• Type II – Replacement of bone marrow with fatty deposits
• Type III – Sclerosis (hardening) of vertebrae

The causes of modic changes are still not fully understood, but they are associated with lower back pain. The Intracept Procedure is an alternative treatment method for patients who have experienced modic changes but have not seen success with typical, non-surgical procedures.

Common symptoms of modic changes include:

• Constant, sharp pain in the lower back
• Functional impairment
• Inability to exercise
• Increasingly worse pain after four weeks

Modic changes are more common in patients who are overweight or who smoke. Typically, doctors diagnose modic changes with an MRI.

How Does the Intracept Procedure Work?

The Intracept Procedure targets the basivertebral nerve—the main nerve running through your lower spine that provides the endplates of individual vertebrae in your spine.

First, your surgeon will create a small incision on your back and insert the Intercept Introducer Cannula through the small projections on the lower vertebral body. Next, the doctor will use a fluoroscope to create a small opening on the base of the basivertebral nerve.

Then, the surgeon will place a small radiofrequency probe in the opening at the trunk of the nerve. This probe heats the nerve tissue, preventing it from sending pain signals. This nerve treatment method is called radiofrequency ablation.

The doctor will then remove the implant. The incision and cannula are very small, so the procedure maintains your spine’s natural shape. Additionally, the procedure’s results are permanent and will not impede your ability to move or function normally.

If you have more questions about getting the Intracept Procedure in Wellington, give us a call at Certified Spine & Pain Care.

Benefits of The Intracept Procedure

Here are some other benefits of the Intracept Procedure.

Minimally Invasive

The Intracept Procedure is minimally invasive and only involves a small 3mm to 5mm incision in the lower back. Convalescence and recovery progress much more quickly than traditional open surgeries.

Outpatient Procedure

Doctors can perform this procedure in outpatient facilities like Certified Spine & Pain Care in Wellington, FL, so you can receive the procedure and return home the same day. The surgery only takes about an hour and a half, and you won’t have to stay in a hospital overnight.

No Implants

Many surgical treatments for back pain rely on implants, such as screws or plates. Implants can be incredibly effective, but not everyone handles them well. The Intracept Procedure does not use any permanent implants. The doctor uses the radiofrequency device to ablate the nerve and removes it afterward, preserving the original structure of the spine.

High Success Rate

Studies have shown that the Intracept Procedure is highly effective at relieving chronic vertebrogenic low back pain. A clinical trial from Relievant Medsystems, the creator of the procedure, showed that patients undergoing the Intercept Procedure showed a 53% reduction in reported pain over 24 months. Initial pain relief is almost immediate.

What Are the Risks?

Like any medical procedure, the Intracept Procedure has risks. Common risks and side effects include localized pain, swelling at the incision site, and infection. However, these side effects are rare and generally not serious.

Additionally, you may not be a good candidate for the Intracept Procedure if you:

• Are pregnant
• Have a pacemaker or other electronic device
• Have an active infection in the site
• Are skeletally immature
• Have pulmonary or cardiac issues

We invite you to learn more about our services and our team of physicians.

Pain Relief in Wellington, Florida

At Certified Spine & Pain Care, we understand how pain affects every facet of your life. Our team uses the latest treatment modalities for pain management and provides services compassionately and professionally. It is our goal to help you return to a healthy and productive lifestyle.

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