How is this different from RFA?

Standard RFA targets the small medial branch nerves outside the spine. Basivertebral nerve ablation (BVN) targets a different nerve, the basivertebral nerve inside the vertebra, which carries vertebrogenic pain signals not addressed by traditional RFA.

Will I need a fusion later?

Basivertebral nerve ablation (BVN) does not remove or fuse anything, so it leaves the spine as it is. Some patients who were considering fusion choose this procedure first. Whether fusion is ever needed depends on your condition, and this procedure does not rule it out.

What are Modic changes?

Modic changes are signal changes in the vertebral endplates seen on MRI. Type 1 and Type 2 changes are associated with vertebrogenic pain, pain originating from the endplate itself, and are the imaging hallmark of basivertebral nerve ablation (BVN) candidacy.

Is anything left in my body afterward?

No. Basivertebral nerve ablation (BVN) is implant-free. The basivertebral nerve is heated and ablated with controlled radiofrequency energy. Nothing is removed or excised, and no hardware is left behind. The bone heals around the treated area over time.

How long does relief last?

Studies have followed patients for up to five years after a single treatment, and many reported lasting improvement in pain and function. Results vary from person to person.

Can basivertebral nerve ablation (BVN) be done at multiple levels?

Yes. It can be performed at one or multiple lumbar levels in a single procedure, depending on which endplates show Modic changes on your MRI.

Is basivertebral nerve ablation (BVN) covered by insurance?

Basivertebral nerve ablation (BVN) is covered by Medicare and a growing list of commercial insurers, particularly when imaging confirms Modic changes and conservative care has failed. We handle prior authorization for you. Call (832) 960-7160 to confirm your benefits.

Does HTx Pain Institute offer basivertebral nerve ablation (BVN)?

Yes. Dr. Baumgartner performs basivertebral nerve ablation (BVN) at our Houston-area practice. Call (832) 960-7160 to ask whether your MRI findings may fit.

Basivertebral nerve ablation (BVN)

Basivertebral Nerve Ablation (BVN) in Houston

An FDA-cleared procedure for vertebrogenic low-back pain.

Schedule Appointment (832) 960-7160

Treatment Overview

What is the Intracept procedure?

Basivertebral nerve ablation (BVN), also called the Intracept procedure, is an FDA-cleared procedure for chronic vertebrogenic low back pain. This kind of pain comes from the vertebral endplates rather than the disc or the muscles. Radiofrequency energy is used to ablate the basivertebral nerve, and nothing is left implanted. HTx Pain Institute offers it in Houston and Humble. Results vary from person to person.

Quick Facts

Setting: Outpatient, same day
Anesthesia: Sedation + local anesthesia
Recovery: Return to activity timing varies
Provided by: Dr. Baumgartner

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Basivertebral nerve ablation (BVN) for vertebrogenic low-back pain at HTx Pain Institute

A clear, step-by-step approach.

1
MRI confirms Modic Type 1 or Type 2 endplate changes, the hallmark of vertebrogenic pain.
2
Through a small access point, a probe is guided into the vertebral body.
3
The basivertebral nerve is ablated with controlled radiofrequency energy.
4
Nothing is left implanted. The bone heals around the treatment zone.

Who is a candidate

Chronic low-back pain of 6 months or more
Modic changes on MRI consistent with vertebrogenic pain
Failure of conservative care including PT and injections
Patients considering a procedure with no implant and no fusion

The day of the procedure

Procedure time is approximately 1 hour.
Performed under sedation and local anesthesia.
Outpatient. Most patients leave the same day.
No hardware or implant remains in the body.

Recovery

Light activity within 1 to 2 days.
Return to work timing varies. Your doctor will advise you based on your job and recovery.
Any change is followed over the months after treatment. Results vary.
Studies have followed patients for up to five years after a single treatment. Results vary from person to person.

Risks & Side Effects

Honest about what to expect.

Every procedure carries some risk. We explain everything in plain language during your consultation, and again on the day of the procedure, so you know what is normal, what to watch for, and when to call.

Mild low-back soreness at the access site for several days.
Temporary increase in pain during the first 1 to 2 weeks as healing progresses.
Rare risk of infection, bleeding, or nerve injury.
Procedure may not provide relief in patients without true vertebrogenic pain. Careful selection matters.
No long-term complications related to implants because there are none.

FAQ

Direct answers, no jargon.

If your question isn’t here, ask us at your consultation. We will give you the same answer in plain English.

Standard RFA targets the small medial branch nerves outside the spine. Basivertebral nerve ablation (BVN) targets a different nerve, the basivertebral nerve inside the vertebra, which carries vertebrogenic pain signals not addressed by traditional RFA.

Cost, Insurance & Financing

Insurance

Basivertebral nerve ablation (BVN) is covered by Medicare and many commercial insurers when MRI demonstrates Modic Type 1 or Type 2 endplate changes and conservative care has failed. Coverage and prior authorization vary by plan. Our team manages the process for you. Call (832) 960-7160 to confirm your benefits.

Insurance & financing details

Quick answers

Will my insurance cover this? We check before your visit.
Self-pay options? Yes, with transparent pricing.
Financing? CareCredit and similar programs available.

Expertise

The standard of Basivertebral nerve ablation (BVN) care, raised to where it belongs.

Dr. Baumgartner is among the experienced basivertebral nerve ablation (BVN) providers in the Houston area. He has published-data familiarity with the procedure and a careful approach to patient selection. It is considered when the pain is vertebrogenic, and we will not perform the procedure on patients who do not meet criteria.

Conditions Treated

What Basivertebral Nerve Ablation (BVN) is used for.

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Back Pain

The most common reason patients come to us, and where we have the most to offer.

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Chronic Pain

Pain that persists beyond expected healing, and the comprehensive plan it requires.

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Related Treatments

Other treatments we offer.

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Radiofrequency Ablation

Outpatient procedure using precise electrical current to quiet damaged or inflamed nerves.

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Injections & Nerve Blocks

Image-guided injections that calm inflamed joints, nerves, and spinal structures.

Learn more

Kyphoplasty

Minimally invasive procedure that stabilizes painful spinal compression fractures.

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From the blog.

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Procedures · 6 min read

Basivertebral Nerve Ablation (BVN) for Low Back Pain

What basivertebral nerve ablation (BVN), also called Intracept, treats, who may qualify, and what a published five-year study reported. Results vary.

Read the article

Medical review by Dr. Edward Baumgartner Jr., MD, is pending. Information on this page is not medical advice.

Ready When You Are

Get the care you deserve. Schedule your consultation today.

Two Houston-area locations. Same-week consults available. Most insurance accepted.

Schedule Appointment (832) 960-7160