Are you struggling with chronic low back pain? Have you tried conservative treatments without experiencing the relief they promised? If you’ve answered yes, you might be finding yourself considering different back pain procedures in the hopes of alleviating your discomfort for good.
It’s time to learn more about the Intracept® Procedure: a minimally invasive option that sets itself apart from other back pain procedures because it targets the root cause of pain. Eric Fanaee, MD, offers Intracept in Bethpage, Smithtown, and West Islip, New York.
Here's how Intracept stands out and why it might be the solution you've been searching for to relieve your chronic pain.
One of the key differences between Intracept and other back pain procedures, such as spinal fusion or disc replacement, is that Intracept addresses a specific source of pain: the basivertebral nerve.
When you have pain stemming from the vertebral endplates of your spine (vertebrogenic pain), the basivertebral nerve sends pain signals to your brain, which you experience as chronic pain. The nerve is located inside your vertebrae, and Intracept targets it directly.
Many other back pain treatments focus on the discs, muscles, or other soft tissues of your spine, which may not always be the primary source of pain. Intracept stops pain signals where they start, making it especially effective for people with vertebrogenic pain who haven’t found relief through other therapies.
Intracept is specifically designed for people with chronic low back pain that hasn’t responded to conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections. If your MRI shows changes in the vertebral endplates, Intracept may be a good option for you.
Dr. Fanaee specializes in Intracept, and our team is here to help you determine if it’s right for you. Intracept is not intended for other types of low back pain, like herniated discs or spinal stenosis, which are typically treated with other types of procedures.
Some common back pain procedures, like spinal fusion, involve invasive surgery and hardware implants. Intracept is a minimally invasive procedure, which means it requires only one small incision, and there aren’t any foreign objects left inside your body afterward.
During the procedure, Dr. Fanaee makes a small incision and inserts a probe into the vertebra to reach the basivertebral nerve. The probe uses radiofrequency energy to heat and permanently damage the nerve, effectively stopping it from transmitting pain signals. The procedure usually takes less than 90 minutes.
And because it’s minimally invasive, Intracept typically results in a faster recovery time compared to traditional back surgeries. Most patients can go home the same day and experience a significant reduction in pain within a few weeks.
One of the most significant benefits of Intracept is its ability to provide long-lasting pain relief without requiring spinal fusion. Spinal fusion is often used to treat chronic back pain, but it involves permanently joining two or more vertebrae, which can limit your mobility and increase your risk of future complications.
Intracept, on the other hand, preserves the natural structure and movement of your spine. It addresses the nerve responsible for your chronic pain, and people who undergo Intracept can experience sustained pain relief for up to five years or more after the procedure.
If you’re looking for long-term pain relief without the complications of more invasive surgery, Intracept offers a unique solution — and it could be a good option for you. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Fanaee and our team online or call us at 631-265-2020 to learn more.
