Does your back hurt? If you answered yes, you’re certainly not alone. An estimated 80% of American adults experience acute low back pain at some point. And for 20% of them, the pain becomes chronic.
There are many different treatment options available for chronic back pain, from medication to physical therapy. But what happens when those treatments don’t do enough to alleviate your pain?
If you’ve exhausted your conservative treatment options, it’s time to learn more about the Intracept® Procedure: a breakthrough in treating chronic pain in your lower back. As a pain management specialist, Eric Fanaee, MD, is proud to offer this minimally invasive outpatient procedure, which could put an end to your discomfort.
Your back supports your entire upper body. It helps you bend, lift, and move through life, but it's susceptible to many different types of injury and pain.
Acute injuries can cause muscle strain or a herniated disc. Degeneration can occur after an injury or simply as you get older, and it may manifest in conditions like spinal stenosis, arthritis, and spondylosis.
Most cases of back pain are acute, or temporary. If you have acute pain, it typically fades within a few days or weeks with at-home care. But sometimes, acute pain becomes chronic.
Chronic pain lasts for several weeks, months, or even years. It can develop as the result of an injury or age-related degeneration, but it might not always have a clear cause.
Because there are so many factors, pinpointing the cause of your back pain isn’t always easy. Dr. Fanaee specializes in diagnosing and treating back pain, and he’s here to help you find answers.
Your treatment starts with a comprehensive physical exam. Dr. Fanaee reviews your medical history and asks you about your symptoms and any treatments you’ve already tried. If you haven’t found relief from conservative treatment for chronic back pain, he might recommend the Intracept Procedure.
A series of nerves that connect the vertebrae in your lower back to your brain all start at your basivertebral nerve. These nerves are responsible for sending pain signals to your brain, and the Intracept Procedure is a minimally invasive surgery to stop pain in your basivertebral nerve.
You could be a good candidate for the Intracept Procedure if you’ve had low back pain for six months or longer. To confirm your diagnosis, Dr. Fanaee may order an MRI of your lower back to get a better view of your vertebrae.
If you choose the Intracept Procedure, Dr. Fanaee uses a cannula, or a tiny hollow needle, to create a channel to your basivertebral nerve. He inserts a radiofrequency (RF) probe in the cannula and directs focused RF waves to the nerve.
Radiofrequency ablation heats up a small part of the nerve and interferes with its ability to send pain signals to your brain. It offers long-lasting pain relief because it stops pain signals where they start.
Because the Intracept Procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, you can go home the same day. Dr. Fanaee gives you recovery instructions and schedules follow-up appointments as needed.
You don’t have to live with chronic low back pain. Find out if the Intracept Procedure could be a good option for you. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Fanaee online, or call the office using our new visit request line at 631-265-2020.
