Holy Name said it is among the first in the region to offer an innovative approach to provide relief for patients suffering from chronic low back pain who are not candidates for major spinal surgery.
The breakthrough treatment is the Intracept Procedure — a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure that targets a nerve located in the bones of the spine, or vertebrae.
During the procedure, Dr. Samyadev Datta, a pain management specialist, advances a specialized probe into the vertebrae and uses radiofrequency energy (heat) to cauterize the nerve, rendering it unable to transmit pain signals. Intracept takes approximately 45-60 minutes and is implant-free.
“We’re proud to offer our patients with chronic back pain the latest treatment that allows them to regain their quality of life,” Datta said. “The Intracept Procedure represents a shift in how we treat their pain.”
Patients historically have been treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, which may prolong chronic pain and eventually cause liver damage. The Intracept Procedure may be ideal for people suffering with chronic low back pain of at least six months’ duration that has not responded to at least six months of conservative care.
The Intracept Procedure is supported by multiple clinical studies, including two Level I randomized controlled trials and five-year data showing patient outcomes last long-term. Key findings include:
- Statistically significant improvements in function and pain versus sham and standard care;
- Improvements post-procedure are durable, lasting more than five years post-treatment; and
- Significant decrease in the number of patients using opioids or injections long-term.
