Intracept Procedure

Intracept is a procedure that targets a particular nerve to improve function and relieve pain. This minimally invasive outpatient procedure provides relief for vertebrogenic low back pain.

NOT EVERYONE IS A CANDIDATE FOR INTRACEPT PROCEDURE. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR RELIEF FROM LOWER BACK PAIN IN PHOENIX, DR. BAIG CAN ADVISE YOU WHETHER THE PROCEDURE IS SUITABLE BASED ON YOUR CONDITION.

What is the Intracept Procedure?

During the Intracept procedure, Dr. Baig will advance a specially designed probe into the vertebrae (the bones in the spine). Then, with the probe, Dr. Baig will disable the basivertebral nerve using radiofrequency energy. With that nerve disabled, it will no longer send pain signals to the brain.

The procedure takes approximately 60-90 minutes, and most patients can go home the same day.

Here is a quick video overview of the procedure

Why choose the Intracept Procedure?

According to the procedure originators, Intracept may be a good choice if you:

have had chronic low back pain for at least six months,
have tried conservative care for at least six months,
If your MRI indicates that damage at the vertebral endplates has led to inflammation.

Most people start to feel pain relief within two weeks after the Intracept Procedure. And what separates the Intracept Procedure from other procedures is its long-term relief after a single procedure.

The Intracept Procedure is supported by multiple clinical studies, including two Level I randomized controlled trials, and five-year data showing patient outcomes last long-term.

Key findings include:

Statistically significant improvements in function and pain vs sham and standard care
Improvements post-procedure are durable, lasting more than five years post-treatment
Significant decrease in the number of patients using opioids or injections long-term
Nearly 80% of patients indicated they would have the procedure again for the same condition

Am I a candidate for Intracept?

An Intracept procedure isn’t right for everyone. There are a few factors that may indicate that you are not a good candidate. While only your doctor can say for certain, generally Intracept is not the best choice for

Those who are pregnant
Those with a weak cardiac or pulmonary system
Those with an electrical device (like a pacemaker) in their body
Those with an existing infection
Those under 18

Dr. Baig would be happy to discuss your medical history and current needs to help determine if Intracept is right for you. Dr. Baig will not perform an Intacept procedure unless he is certain that it will help relieve your pain.

MULTIPLE CLINICAL TRIALS INDICATE THAT THE INTRACEPT PROCEDURE’S SUCCESS RATE IS VERY HIGH, WITH STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS IN FUNCTION AND PAIN. TRIAL DATA AND INTRACEPT PROCEDURE REVIEWS SUGGEST THAT THE RESULTS ARE LONG-LASTING AND EFFECTIVE FOR THE RELIEF OF CHRONIC BACK PAIN.