Do You Have Vertebrogenic Pain? Understanding a Common Cause of Back Pain in Napa

By Dr. Jackie Weisbein, DO, Double Board-Certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine, Fellowship-Trained in Interventional Pain Management

Quick Insights

The Intracept procedure available in Napa, CA is a minimally invasive treatment targeting nerves inside spinal bones to address chronic vertebrogenic back pain, particularly when standard therapies and normal MRIs offer no answers. FDA-cleared, research is still ongoing.

Key Takeaways

• The Intracept procedure uses radiofrequency energy to disrupt pain signals from the basivertebral nerve.
• FDA clearance confirms device safety, but long-term outcome studies are still limited.
• Many Napa and St. Helena patients try Intracept after years of unsuccessful therapies.
• Can provide hope for those who feel “out of options” when back pain disrupts daily life.

Why It Matters

For people like Mark in Napa whose pain persists despite “normal” MRI results, the Intracept procedure offers a science-backed avenue that addresses a root cause—vertebrogenic pain. Current research indicates it’s a legitimate option when others have failed, bringing renewed hope to daily living.

Introduction

When persistent back pain steals your freedom—even after “normal” MRIs and years of failed therapies—it’s time for honest answers. As a double board-certified pain specialist, I’m proud to offer the Intracept procedure Napa, CA at the Napa Valley Orthopaedic Medical Group. My approach blends advanced interventional therapies, like Intracept, with personalized planning and holistic wellness—all under direct physician care.

Vertebrogenic pain happens when nerves deep inside your spinal bones get irritated, often producing that stubborn, deep ache many feel after lifting, bending, or standing too long. The Intracept procedure uses a minimally invasive approach to target these nerves, aiming for lasting relief when standard treatments haven’t worked.

Studies have reported significant pain relief and functional improvements from the Intracept procedure sustained for up to five years (read more from the FDA Intracept device summary).

If you’re exhausted by options that never deliver, and just want to get your life—and your work—back, you are not out of choices.

What Is the Intracept Procedure?

The Intracept procedure Napa, CA is a minimally invasive treatment that targets the basivertebral nerve inside the bones of your spine. In my practice, I use this approach for patients who have chronic low back pain that just won’t quit—even when their MRI looks “normal.” The procedure uses radiofrequency energy to disrupt pain signals from the basivertebral nerve, which is often the culprit in vertebrogenic pain.

I’ve seen many people, especially those like Mark from Vallejo, who are exhausted by years of failed therapies. For them, the Intracept procedure offers a new path—one that doesn’t require major surgery or long hospital stays. While the FDA has cleared this device for safety and intended use, it’s important to know that research on long-term outcomes is still developing . If you’re feeling skeptical, you’re not alone—many of my patients have been in your shoes.

As a fellowship-trained interventional pain physician, I’ve treated so many patients in Napa Valley who feel completely stuck—especially after being told that their MRI is “normal.” It’s incredibly validating for people to finally learn there is a real, physical cause to their pain that’s been overlooked. I always emphasize that finding an answer, even if it’s a new one like vertebrogenic pain, can be a major step forward to getting your life back.

For more on the FDA’s clearance and what it means, you can read the official summary here.

How It Works: Targeting the Basivertebral Nerve

The Intracept procedure works by inserting a small probe into the vertebral body—the thick, block-like part of your spine. Using radiofrequency energy, I carefully ablate (or deactivate) the basivertebral nerve, which is responsible for transmitting pain signals from the bone itself.

In my Napa clinic, I’ve found that this approach can be especially helpful for people whose pain is deep, aching, and made worse by standing or bending. It’s not about masking pain—it’s about addressing one of the root causes. Studies suggest this mechanism is safe, but as with any new technology, I always discuss the evolving evidence with my patients .

If you’re tired of “band-aid” solutions, this may be worth exploring.

Vertebrogenic Pain: Causes and Who It Affects

Vertebrogenic pain comes from the nerves inside your spinal bones, not the discs or muscles. It’s often missed because standard MRIs can look normal, or only show subtle changes called Modic changes. I see this most in people who have tried everything—chiropractic, injections, even surgery—with no real relief.

For patients like Mark, who just want to mow the lawn or play catch with their kids again, understanding vertebrogenic pain is a game-changer. If your pain is deep, constant, and worse with activity, you might be dealing with this under-recognized cause. I always take time to explain this to my patients, because validation is the first step toward hope.

As a pain management specialist, I can’t tell you how many times someone walks into my office, frustrated from countless treatments that didn’t work, only to discover that vertebrogenic pain was the missing piece all along. Even if your MRI looks “normal,” there can be subtle changes that point straight to this diagnosis—I look for these clues every day, especially in North Bay residents who are active and want to get back to their routines.

For a deeper dive into vertebrogenic pain, check out this review article.

Is the Intracept Procedure Right for You?

When I meet someone who’s tried everything—physical therapy, medications, even spinal cord stimulators—and still can’t get back to life, I start thinking about vertebrogenic pain. The Intracept procedure Napa, CA is not for everyone, but it can be a lifeline for the right person.

I’ve had patients from St. Helena and American Canyon who were skeptical at first, worried this was just another “gimmick.” I get it. That’s why I walk through every option, making sure you understand the risks, benefits, and what the research actually says.

For more on who might benefit, the FDA’s device summary is a good resource: FDA 2019 clearance.

Ideal Candidates (including failed prior treatments, chronic back pain, MRI findings)

You might be a candidate if:

• You’ve had chronic low back pain for six months or more.
• Standard treatments (PT, injections, medications) haven’t worked.
• Your MRI shows Modic changes, or is “normal” but pain persists.
• You want to avoid major surgery.

In my experience, people like Mark—who’ve been told “there’s nothing left to try”—often fit this profile. I always review your full history and imaging before recommending Intracept. Many of my patients from Napa and Yountville have found hope here after years of frustration.

As someone who specializes in advanced, minimally invasive options, I’ve seen firsthand that the best results come when the procedure is targeted to the right person. I take extra care to make sure we’re not just following an algorithm, but truly matching your symptoms and MRI findings with the procedure that gives you the greatest chance at getting back to what you love.

Risks, Recovery, and Results (evidence-based, FDA-cited)

Every procedure has risks. With Intracept, the most common are temporary soreness or bruising at the entry site. Serious complications are rare, but I always discuss them openly. Recovery is usually quick—patients typically return home the same day and may resume light activities shortly after, though results can take from a few days to up to three months to fully develop.

It’s important to know that while the FDA has cleared the device for safety and intended use, high-quality clinical trials are still limited . I’m transparent about these limitations, and I encourage you to ask questions. For those who feel “out of options,” this can be a turning point.

I often explain to my patients that FDA clearance is a strong sign the procedure is safe and effective for its intended use, but it doesn’t guarantee a certain level of pain relief for every person. In real-world practice, this means I closely track your progress and combine procedures like Intracept with a comprehensive care plan—including movement, ergonomics, and follow-up—so you have the best chance at meaningful improvement.

For more on safety and what FDA clearance means, visit this FDA page.

Why Choose Dr. Jackie Weisbein for Intracept in Napa and the North Bay?

When it comes to advanced pain procedures, experience matters. I’m double board-certified, fellowship-trained, and have performed thousands of minimally invasive spine interventions. At Napa Valley Orthopaedic Medical Group, you get direct physician care—never a “visit mill” or a handoff to a mid-level provider.

Many of my patients travel from Sonoma, Fairfield, and even Marin County because they want expertise and a personal touch. I’m proud to be recognized nationally, but my focus is always on helping people here in Napa get back to what matters.

Having been recognized as a leader in interventional pain management, I pay close attention not just to the latest technology, but also to how each procedure fits into the bigger picture of your life. In Napa and the North Bay, I know that missing even a few days of work or family time can have a huge impact. My goal is always to offer options—including Intracept—that support rapid recovery and real function, not just short-term pain relief.

For more about my background and the clinic, you can visit Napa Valley Orthopaedic Medical Group.

Board-Certified, Fellowship-Trained Expertise

I’m one of the few physicians in the region with double board certification in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine, plus fellowship training in interventional pain management. I also serve as president of Women Innovators in Pain Medicine and train other doctors nationwide.

For patients like Mark, who’ve lost faith in the system, this level of expertise means you’re not just another number. I take your story seriously, and I’m committed to finding answers—even when others have given up.

Personalized, Holistic Approach (USP)

My care goes beyond procedures. I believe in a holistic, lifestyle-supported recovery—combining advanced interventions like Intracept with exercise, ergonomic coaching, and wellness planning. Many of my Napa and St. Helena patients appreciate this “whole person” approach, especially when pain has affected every part of their life.

I’ve seen firsthand how small changes—like adjusting your workspace or adding gentle movement—can make a big difference alongside the right procedure.

Advanced Options Unavailable Elsewhere

At my clinic, you’ll find options you won’t see at most pain centers: Intracept, ReActiv8, MinuteMan, SI-BONE, and more. I personally perform every advanced procedure, so you get the benefit of my experience from start to finish.

If you’ve been told “there’s nothing left to try,” that may not be true—especially here in Napa. I’m always happy to discuss what’s new and what’s possible.

For a look at other advanced pain treatments, check out Adventist Health St. Helena for regional context.

Serving Napa and Surrounding Communities

I’m proud to serve patients from all over Napa Valley and the North Bay—including Yountville, St. Helena, American Canyon, Sonoma, Fairfield, Vallejo, and beyond. Many of my patients work in the wine industry or travel from rural areas because they want specialized care close to home.

I often coordinate with local hospitals like Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center for imaging or post-procedure support, ensuring you have access to comprehensive resources without leaving the region. For those in outlying areas like Calistoga or Petaluma, I offer telehealth consults and flexible scheduling.

In my practice, I see so many people who thought they would have to travel to San Francisco or Sacramento for advanced care—only to find the answers they needed right here in Napa. It’s important to me that each person feels heard and cared for in a boutique setting. You’re not out of options—and you don’t have to travel far to find answers.

For more on local resources, visit Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center.

Voices from Our Community

As someone who’s dedicated my career to restoring function and hope—whether through advanced options like Intracept, spinal cord stimulation, SI-BONE fusion, or ReActiv8—I’m always moved when people in Napa Valley share their experiences. My goal has always been to blend cutting-edge interventional pain management with a truly personal, boutique approach. One Google review shared by a member of our North Bay community really speaks to this commitment:

Google Review Spotlight

Jane: Dr. Weisbein exceeded all my expectations. I've been a Pain Management patient at Stanford and was nervous about making the switch. Dr. Weisbein immediately put me at ease. She is caring, an expert clinician, made sure to get me schedule continuing Stanford treatments AND offered a fresh perspective and new options. I'm so glad I found her, she's definitely the best of the best.

Hearing this kind of feedback from our local community reinforces why I’m so passionate about providing double board-certified, fellowship-level care right here in Napa.
Read verified patient testimonials

Conclusion

In summary, the Intracept procedure Napa, CA offers a minimally invasive, FDA-cleared option for those struggling with chronic vertebrogenic back pain—especially when standard treatments and “normal” MRIs have left you feeling out of answers. This approach targets the basivertebral nerve, addressing a root cause of pain that’s often overlooked. While research is still evolving, many in Napa and the North Bay have found new hope through this advanced treatment.

As a double board-certified physician in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine, and President of Women Innovators in Pain Management, I’m committed to providing honest answers and personalized care. You don’t have to live in pain or feel like a ghost of your former self—there are real options. Schedule your consultation today to explore personalized pain management options.

This article is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical