Axial Low Back Pain: A Common Problem
Although there are many types of low back pain, the most common is called axial low back pain. This is the type of low back pain that gets worse with certain activities (such as sports), or certain positions (such as sitting for long periods of time), and is usually relieved by rest. Unlike some other types of low back pain, axial pain does not radiate (travel) to other parts of the body, such as the legs and feet – rather, it is confined to the low back area.
What Causes Chronic Axial Low Back Pain?
Although chonic low back pain has many causes, it is believed that one of the key contributing factors is the basivertebral nerve. The basivertebral nerve is a pain-sensing nerve that is embedded within the bones of the spine, called vertebrae. The basivertebral nerve branches up to the surface of the vertebrae, exposing it to the everyday movements and stresses placed on the spine.
Over time, accumulated stress on the vertebrae can put pressure against these exposed nerves, causing severe low back pain – even during normal, everyday movement. The pain triggered by these nerves forces sufferers to avoid a variety of activities, taking a substantial toll on overall quality of life.
 
The Intracept™ Procedure for Chronic Low Back Pain
If you suffer from chronic low back pain, you may be a candidate for the SMART Clinical Study. The study is evaluating the Intracept™ Procedure – an investigational, one-hour procedure designed to treat chronic low back pain at its source.
The Intracept Procedure is typically performed in about one hour. During the treatment, doctors make a small (2cm) incision in the lower back. Following this, a specialized probe is advanced into the vertebrae and positioned at the precise location of the pain-sensing, basivertebral nerve. Once positioned, the Intracept probe uses radiofrequency energy (heat) to disable the basivertebral nerve, rendering it unable to transmit pain signals. This may help relieve the symptoms of chronic low back pain.
Procedure Video
 

 

Intracept is a trademark of Relievant Medsystems, Inc.
Caution: The Intracept Procedure is an investigational device and is limited by United States law to investigational use.
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