For patients who have not found relief with treatments such as medications, physical therapy or injections, this procedure may provide another treatment option. By targeting the source of vertebrogenic pain, this outpatient procedure is designed to help appropriately selected patients achieve long-lasting pain relief.
What Is It?
A vertebral nerve ablation procedure, also called basivertebral nerve ablation, is a minimally invasive treatment used to address chronic vertebrogenic lower back pain. This type of pain originates from damage or inflammation within the vertebral endplates, which are the tissues located between the vertebrae and spinal discs.
The basivertebral nerve carries pain signals from the vertebral endplates to the brain. During the procedure, our interventional radiologists use a radiofrequency device to heat the basivertebral nerve. This stops the nerve from transmitting chronic pain signals while preserving the stability of the spine.
Unlike treatments that only manage symptoms, this procedure focuses on addressing the nerves responsible for transmitting vertebrogenic pain.
Who Is a Candidate?
A vertebral nerve ablation procedure is designed for appropriately selected patients with chronic vertebrogenic lower back pain. Not all back pain originates from the vertebral endplates, so our interventional radiologists evaluate each patient’s symptoms, imaging results and medical history before recommending treatment.
Patients may be candidates if they:
- Have experienced chronic lower back pain for six months or longer
- Have not achieved adequate relief with conservative treatments
- Have MRI findings consistent with vertebrogenic pain, including Modic changes
A consultation with our interventional radiologists helps determine whether this minimally invasive procedure is the right option for your condition.
Benefits of the Procedure
A vertebral nerve ablation procedure offers a minimally invasive approach compared to traditional spine surgery. The treatment does not require spinal implants or hardware and is performed through a small incision using advanced imaging guidance.
Potential benefits include:
- Small incision
- No spinal implants or hardware
- Long-lasting pain relief for appropriately selected patients
- Improved mobility and daily function
- Reduced dependence on pain medications
- Faster recovery compared to traditional spine surgery
- Same-day discharge in most cases
While results vary by patient, clinical studies have demonstrated durable pain relief and improved function for many appropriately selected individuals.
What to Expect During the Procedure
The vertebral nerve ablation procedure is performed in an outpatient setting using advanced fluoroscopic imaging guidance. After anesthesia or sedation is provided for comfort, our interventional radiologists create a small incision and carefully advance specialized instruments into the affected vertebra.
A radiofrequency probe is positioned near the basivertebral nerve. Controlled thermal energy is then used to stop the nerve from transmitting chronic pain signals.
Once the vertebral nerve ablation procedure is complete, the instruments are removed, and only a small bandage is needed. Most procedures take approximately one to two hours, and many patients return home the same day.
Recovery After the Procedure
Recovery after a vertebral nerve ablation procedure is generally faster than recovery from traditional spine surgery, because the treatment is minimally invasive. Most patients do not require an overnight hospital stay.
Some soreness near the treatment area may occur for several days following the procedure and typically improves quickly. While some patients notice improvement within a few weeks, pain relief often continues to develop over several months as inflammation decreases and pain signaling is reduced.
Our interventional radiologists will provide personalized recovery instructions and discuss when you can safely return to normal activities.
Why Choose Medical Center Radiologists?
At Medical Center Radiologists in Hampton Roads, VA, we have provided advanced, patient-centered care throughout Hampton Roads for more than 70 years. Our fellowship-trained interventional radiologists specialize in minimally invasive, image-guided procedures designed to help patients find relief while avoiding more invasive treatments.
With the addition of the vertebral nerve ablation procedure, MCR continues to expand its interventional radiology services by offering innovative treatment options for patients with chronic vertebrogenic lower back pain. Using advanced imaging technology and evidence-based techniques, our team creates personalized treatment plans focused on patient safety, comfort and long-term results.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Procedure
What causes vertebrogenic lower back pain?
Vertebrogenic pain originates from damage or inflammation within the vertebral endplates. The basivertebral nerve carries these pain signals and differs from pain caused by muscles, herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
Is the procedure painful?
A vertebral nerve ablation procedure is performed using anesthesia or sedation to help keep patients comfortable. Our interventional radiologists will discuss what to expect before treatment.
How long does it take to feel pain relief?
Some patients begin noticing improvement within a few weeks, while continued improvement may occur over several months as pain signaling decreases.
Is the pain relief permanent?
The basivertebral nerve does not regenerate after treatment. Clinical studies have demonstrated durable pain relief lasting several years in many appropriately selected patients, although individual results vary.
Final Thoughts on the Vertebral Nerve Ablation Procedure
For patients experiencing chronic vertebrogenic lower back pain, a vertebral nerve ablation procedure may offer a minimally invasive option when conservative treatments have not provided enough relief. At Medical Center Radiologists, we provide advanced image-guided care from experienced interventional radiologists focused on helping patients achieve better outcomes.