Understanding Pain
Diagnosis & Understanding
4. Neck Pain
1:55
6. Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
1:46
8. Foot Pain
1:50
9. Ankle and Foot Pain
1:46
10. Cancer Pain
1:34
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
2. Bracing
1:30
3. Acupuncture
2:13
4. Physical Therapy
1:35
5. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
2:08
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
2. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
5. Caudal Epidural
1:33
10. Sacroiliac Joint Fusion
1:39
11. Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty
2:05
12. Basivertebral Nerve Ablation
1:36
13. MILD Procedure
2:04
14. Spinal Decompression Surgeries
1:41
15. Artificial Disc Replacement
1:52
Lumbar Basivertebral Nerve (Vertebral Body or Disc)
Diagnosis & Understanding
1. Degenerative Disc Disease
2:06
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
1. Basivertebral Nerve Ablation
1:36
2. Intradiscal Fibrin Injection
1:53
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
2. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Basivertebral Nerve Ablation
1746879811
Basivertebral nerve ablation is a minimally invasive procedure designed to relieve chronic low back pain caused by damage to the vertebrae in the lower back. This type of pain is often linked to Modic changes, which are specific findings on an MRI scan that indicate irritation of the basivertebral nerve.
During the procedure, the doctor uses radiofrequency ablation to target and deactivate nerve fibers responsible for sending pain signals from the affected vertebrae to the brain. Imaging guidance ensures precise treatment. The approach may vary based on how many vertebrae need treatment, which is determined by specific medical coding.
This procedure is typically recommended for patients who have had chronic low back pain for six months or longer that hasn’t improved with physical therapy, pain medications, or injections.
Alternatives to basivertebral nerve ablation include physical therapy, medications, steroid injections, spinal cord stimulation, or, in more severe cases, spinal fusion surgery. The best approach depends on your specific condition and response to previous treatments.
Risks are low but may include infection, bleeding, or, in rare cases, nerve damage. After the procedure, avoid heavy lifting or activities that strain your back for a few weeks. Many patients experience significant pain relief within a few weeks following treatment.
If other treatments haven’t worked and your MRI confirms Modic changes, basivertebral nerve ablation may be an effective option. Our team is here to help determine the best treatment plan for your condition.
FAQs
Are there any risks associated with basivertebral nerve ablation?
The risks associated with this procedure are relatively low but may include infection, bleeding, or, in rare cases, nerve damage. Some patients might experience temporary pain or swelling following the procedure.
How long does it take to recover from basivertebral nerve ablation?
Recovery time varies among patients, but many experience significant pain relief within a few weeks of the procedure. Full recovery is typically achieved within 2 to 6 weeks, during which time activities that strain the back, such as heavy lifting, should be avoided.
What alternatives exist if basivertebral nerve ablation is not suitable?
If basivertebral nerve ablation is not suitable, alternative treatments can include physical therapy, pain medications, steroid injections, spinal cord stimulation, or, in severe cases, surgical options like spinal fusion. The appropriate treatment depends on the specific condition and previous treatment responses.
What is basivertebral nerve ablation and how does it work?
Basivertebral nerve ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that aims to relieve chronic low back pain by targeting and deactivating the nerve fibers responsible for pain signals originating from the affected vertebrae. This is achieved through radiofrequency ablation, where heat is applied to the basivertebral nerve using imaging guidance to ensure precision.
Who is a suitable candidate for basivertebral nerve ablation?
This procedure is typically recommended for patients who have experienced chronic low back pain for at least six months that has not responded to conventional treatments like physical therapy, pain medications, or injections. It is particularly beneficial for individuals whose MRI shows Modic changes, which indicate vertebral endplate damage.