Chronic low back pain affects millions of Americans, and it can seriously limit your quality of life — especially when it doesn’t respond to conventional treatments like physical therapy, pain medications, or injections.
If your back pain originates in the basivertebral nerve, it might not improve with the typical treatments, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. The minimally invasive Intracept® procedure targets the source of your discomfort without spinal fusion or implants. But what is it like to undergo Intracept, and what happens once it’s done?
Eric Fanaee, MD, and our team are committed to patient-centered care that keeps you informed at every step. Here’s what you can expect with Intracept, from the prep to the long-term recovery.
The Intracept procedure treats vertebrogenic pain that originates in your basivertebral nerve, so the first step of the process involves confirming that your pain is vertebrogenic in nature.
We do a comprehensive exam and order additional testing, which typically includes an MRI to identify Modic changes in the vertebral endplates, which is an indicator that the basivertebral nerve is likely involved. If you’re a good candidate, we explain the benefits, risks, and expected outcomes to help you feel fully informed.
On the day of the procedure, you don’t need to worry about a hospital stay. We perform the Intracept procedure in an outpatient setting, meaning you go home the same day. You receive mild sedation or anesthesia to make sure you’re comfortable throughout the process.
The Intracept procedure usually takes about an hour. Dr. Fanaee uses fluoroscopic guidance (a real-time X-ray) to insert a specialized probe into the specific vertebrae that houses the affected nerve. Once it’s in position, the probe emits radiofrequency energy that heats and disables the basivertebral nerve, effectively stopping it from sending pain signals to your brain.
After treating the nerve, Dr. Fanaee removes the probe. In most cases, the insertion site is so small that it doesn’t require stitches. Because the procedure doesn’t involve altering your spine’s structure or removing tissue, it’s much less invasive than traditional surgical options — and that’s a big part of what makes recovery so smooth.
Immediately after your procedure, we monitor you briefly in a recovery room before you head home. Most patients are up and walking the same day, but you will need someone to drive you home if you had general anesthesia.
Mild soreness or discomfort at the insertion site is normal and usually fades within a few days. Our team gives you personalized aftercare instructions, which can include activity modifications and short-term pain management.
In the weeks that follow, you should begin to notice meaningful improvements in your back pain. While results vary, studies show that most people experience significant and lasting relief within a couple of months. Because Intracept targets the nerve causing your pain directly, the effects are long lasting without the need for ongoing injections or medications.
Unlike treatments that only manage symptoms, Intracept addresses a known source of chronic pain. It’s FDA-approved, backed by clinical evidence, and it doesn’t rely on hardware, spinal fusion, or extended downtime.
Dr. Fanaee and our team take a highly personalized approach to spine care, and we’re here to help you find a pain management solution that works. If you’re dealing with long-standing back pain and looking for a better option, Intracept might be the answer you’ve been waiting for.
Schedule a consultation online or call us at 631-265-2020 to get started. We have convenient locations in Copiague, Smithtown, and West Islip, New York.
