Intracept Procedure Specialist in Wilkes-Barre PA

At Comprehensive Pain Specialists, we are committed to offering the most advanced and effective treatments for chronic pain. One of the innovative procedures we provide is Intracept, a minimally invasive, FDA-cleared solution specifically designed to address chronic low back pain caused by damage or inflammation in the vertebral endplates—the junctions between your spinal vertebrae and the intervertebral discs. This condition, known as vertebrogenic pain, is now better understood and treatable thanks to advanced technologies like Intracept.
 
The Intracept procedure targets the basivertebral nerve, which is responsible for transmitting pain signals from the vertebral body to the brain. By ablating (disabling) this nerve, Intracept can significantly reduce or even eliminate persistent low back pain that originates from the vertebrae themselves.
 
At Comprehensive Pain Specialists, we recommend Intracept for patients who:

• Have experienced chronic low back pain for six months or longer
• Have not found relief with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or spinal injections
• Show specific changes on MRI (such as Modic Type 1 or Type 2 alterations), indicating inflammation or degeneration of the vertebral endplates
 
It’s important to note that Intracept is not designed for back pain caused by disc herniations, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, or facet joint issues. Instead, it is most effective for those whose pain is vertebrogenic in origin.

Intracept procedure is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional back surgery, specifically designed for individuals whose pain originates from the vertebral endplates and the basivertebral nerve.
 
Unlike conventional back surgeries such as spinal fusion or laminectomy—which often require large incisions, removal of bone or disc material, and the placement of hardware—the Intracept procedure is performed through a tiny incision using a specialized probe. Guided by advanced fluoroscopic imaging, our pain specialists precisely target the basivertebral nerve inside the vertebral body. By using radiofrequency energy, we are able to ablate, or “turn off,” this nerve, effectively disrupting the pain signals at their source.
 
Because of its targeted and less invasive nature, the Intracept procedure is typically performed in our outpatient setting here at Comprehensive Pain Specialists. Patients benefit from a much shorter recovery time and minimal disruption to surrounding tissues, allowing them to return to their daily activities more quickly compared to traditional surgical options.
 
Traditional back surgeries are often necessary for those with structural spinal problems like herniated discs, severe instability, or nerve compression. However, for patients whose chronic low back pain is specifically mediated by the basivertebral nerve—as identified by MRI findings and symptom assessment—the Intracept procedure provides a nerve-targeted solution without the need for extensive anatomical changes.

Clinical studies—including randomized controlled trials—have demonstrated the effectiveness of the Intracept procedure. For example, research such as the INTRACEPT trial showed that approximately 65 to 75 percent of patients experienced at least a 50 percent reduction in pain scores at 12 months following the procedure. Furthermore, many patients reported meaningful improvements in quality of life and daily function, with benefits sustained for up to five years in some studies.
 
Our experienced team is dedicated to staying at the forefront of evidence-based treatments, ensuring each patient receives a personalized approach. If you are struggling with chronic low back pain that has not responded to other treatments, a consultation with one of our spine specialists can help determine if the Intracept procedure is the right option for you. We are committed to helping our patients regain function and enjoy a better quality of life through the most effective pain management strategies available.

Clinical studies have demonstrated that the effects of the Intracept procedure can last at least 24 months, with many patients experiencing significant and sustained pain relief. Research—including rigorous randomized controlled trials—shows that both pain reduction and improved daily function can persist for two years or longer following the procedure.
 
Our experience aligns with these findings: many of our patients report ongoing benefits well beyond the initial months after their Intracept treatment. While individual results may vary, factors such as the cause of your pain, other underlying spine conditions, and your overall health can all influence how long you experience relief.
 
We believe that long-term success depends on personalized care and continual support. That’s why, if you are considering the Intracept procedure or have already undergone treatment at Comprehensive Pain Specialists, we encourage you to maintain regular follow-up appointments with our team. These visits help us monitor your progress, address any changes in your symptoms, and ensure you continue to receive the highest level of care.

As a leading specialist at Comprehensive Pain Specialists in Wilkes-Barre, Dr. Youssef Josephson, DO, offers the innovative Intracept Procedure for patients struggling with chronic vertebrogenic low back pain. This minimally invasive, outpatient treatment is specifically designed for those who haven’t found relief through traditional conservative therapies. Dr. Josephson utilizes this advanced technique to target the basivertebral nerve, effectively blocking pain signals from reaching the brain without the need for major surgery or permanent implants.

By focusing on the specific anatomical source of mid-line back pain, Dr. Josephson provides a long-term solution that helps patients regain mobility and reduce their reliance on pain medications. Residents of Wilkes-Barre seeking a path back to an active lifestyle can trust Dr. Josephson’s expertise in applying this cutting-edge, clinically proven technology to provide lasting relief and a better quality of life.
 
If you think the Intracept procedure may be right for you, or if you have questions about your ongoing care, please contact Comprehensive Pain Specialists to schedule a consultation. We are here to help you achieve lasting relief from chronic back pain. We are located at 1177 PA-315, Dolphin Plaza, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702. We serve patients from Wilkes-Barre PA, Glen Lyon PA, Dallas PA, Pittston PA, Mountain Top PA, Plymouth PA, and surrounding areas.