10/21/2025
Degenerative disc disease treatment: What is the Intracept procedure and how does basivertebral nerve ablation help? đź’«
Chronic low back pain stops too many of us from enjoying life’s moments. Questions like, “Is there anything left to try?” or “What actually works for degenerative disc disease?” come up all the time. At Napa Valley Orthopaedic Medical Group, we witness the impact of this pain and the frustration it brings every single day.
Let’s clear up what the Intracept procedure offers for degenerative disc disease.
The Intracept procedure (also known as basivertebral nerve ablation) is a minimally invasive treatment for certain types of chronic low back pain, especially vertebrogenic pain caused by degenerative disc disease.
Here’s how it works:
- A small incision is made in the back
- A tube is guided into the vertebra to access the target area
- Radiofrequency heat is used to ablate (damage) the basivertebral nerve
The entire procedure is performed as an outpatient experience, lasting about 60–90 minutes. Some patients experience temporary soreness and mild swelling at the incision site—this usually goes away within a few days. It’s best to avoid vigorous activity for 2–4 weeks after the procedure as part of a safe and smooth recovery.
There’s something empowering about knowing all your options when living with chronic pain. Our team is inspired every day by the strength of patients who refuse to give up, and we’re committed to supporting every step forward—no matter how small.
Have you or someone you care about wondered what else can be done for chronic low back pain? What questions do you have about innovative procedures like basivertebral nerve ablation?
👉 Ready for relief? Reach out today to book a visit!
Your health is our priority! đź©·đź’™