How Long Do Intracept Results Last? Reviewing the Evidence

By Jacqueline Weisbein, D.O.
Double Board-Certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine

Quick Insights

The intracept procedure uses radiofrequency energy to ablate the basivertebral nerve inside damaged vertebrae, targeting the pain source in vertebrogenic low back pain. Research shows that two-thirds of patients maintain more than 50% pain relief through five years, with one-third achieving complete pain resolution and sustained improvements in daily function.

Key Takeaways

• Two-year data shows 72-74% of patients maintain clinically meaningful pain reduction after treatment.
• Five-year follow-up demonstrates 66% of patients sustain greater than 50% pain relief, with 34% achieving complete pain resolution.
• Pooled analysis through 5.6 years confirms durable function improvements with favorable safety profiles.
• No serious device-related complications reported across multiple long-term studies and real-world patient populations.

Why It Matters

Knowing whether relief lasts helps you plan your future with confidence rather than fear. Sustained outcomes mean returning to hiking, gardening, or simply sleeping through the night—without constant pain management or the anxiety that relief will fade in a few months.

Introduction

As a double board-certified pain physician, I've guided hundreds of patients through decisions about spine procedures.

If you want to learn more about my background and credentials as a pain management specialist, visit my professional bio page: Dr. Jacqueline Weisbein, DO—board-certified pain management physician.

When patients ask about the Intracept procedure, their biggest question isn't whether it works—it's whether relief lasts. In Napa, I've worked with many individuals who've tried injections, medications, and physical therapy without sustained improvement, so naturally you want to know if this treatment offers durable results.

Research demonstrates that basivertebral nerve ablation produces meaningful pain reduction that extends well beyond the initial recovery period. Clinical trials tracking patients for two, five, and even 5.6 years show that many maintain significant functional improvements without serious complications.

At Napa Valley Orthopaedic Medical Group, I emphasize accurate diagnosis before recommending any intervention. Let's review what the evidence actually tells us about how long Intracept results last.

What Is the Intracept Procedure? A Napa Perspective

The Intracept procedure targets a specific nerve inside damaged vertebrae called the basivertebral nerve.

This nerve runs through the vertebral body and can become a pain generator when the bone develops degenerative changes visible on MRI as Modic changes. When conservative treatments fail to address this type of vertebrogenic pain, ablating the nerve may offer relief.

During the procedure, I use fluoroscopic guidance to place a radiofrequency probe through a small incision in your back. The probe enters the vertebral body and delivers controlled thermal energy to the basivertebral nerve.

This ablation disrupts pain signals without affecting the structural integrity of your spine.

The procedure typically takes 60 to 90 minutes and is performed under conscious sedation. Most patients go home the same day.

Recovery involves a brief period of activity modification, followed by gradual return to normal function. In my Napa practice, I emphasize accurate diagnosis before recommending Intracept—confirming that vertebrogenic pain is the true source through clinical exam, imaging, and sometimes diagnostic injections.

How Long Do Intracept Results Last? What the Research Shows

The most compelling evidence comes from randomized controlled trials tracking patients for multiple years.

A two-year multicenter study demonstrated that patients maintained statistically significant improvements in both disability scores and pain levels through 24 months. These weren't marginal changes—they represented meaningful functional gains that persisted well beyond the initial recovery period.

Follow-up data at 24 months showed that 72-74% of treated patients maintained clinically meaningful pain reduction. This responder rate remained stable across multiple timepoints, suggesting that relief doesn't gradually fade for most patients who initially improve.

The longest follow-up data extends even further. Five-year outcomes published in 2020 demonstrated that 66% of patients maintained greater than 50% pain reduction at the five-year mark.

Mean disability scores improved from baseline and remained significantly better throughout the entire follow-up period.

A pooled analysis published in 2024 combined data from three prospective trials with mean follow-up extending to 5.6 years. This analysis confirmed durable improvements in both pain and function with no serious device-related adverse events reported.

In my experience evaluating patients for Intracept, those who achieve early improvement tend to maintain it. The key is proper patient selection—ensuring vertebrogenic pain is the correct diagnosis before proceeding.

For those seeking additional pain relief solutions specific to the spine, there are also minimally invasive back pain procedures available that might suit individual needs.

Factors That May Influence How Long Relief Lasts

Individual outcomes vary based on several clinical factors.

The accuracy of your initial diagnosis matters most. If vertebrogenic pain isn't your primary pain generator, ablating the basivertebral nerve won't provide lasting relief regardless of technical success.

The severity and distribution of Modic changes on MRI can influence outcomes. Patients with Type 1 or Type 2 Modic changes typically respond better than those with minimal endplate changes.

Your overall spine health plays a role. Concurrent conditions like severe facet arthropathy, disc herniations, or spinal stenosis may limit how much improvement you experience from treating the vertebrogenic component alone.

Activity level and body mechanics after the procedure matter. Napa-area residents who maintain reasonable activity levels and avoid excessive mechanical stress on the treated segments tend to sustain better outcomes.

Real-world data in patients with osteoporosis showed significant pain reduction and functional improvement with favorable safety profiles. No post-procedure vertebral compression fractures occurred, suggesting the procedure doesn't compromise bone integrity even in patients with reduced bone density.

Age and general health status influence recovery and long-term outcomes. Younger patients with fewer comorbidities generally experience more robust and sustained improvements.

I've observed that patients who engage in post-procedure rehabilitation and maintain healthy lifestyle habits tend to report more durable relief than those who remain sedentary.

What to Expect During Recovery and Follow-Up in Napa

Most patients experience some soreness at the treatment site for the first few days.

This discomfort typically resolves within one to two weeks. I recommend limiting strenuous activities during the initial recovery period while allowing light movement and daily activities.

Pain relief doesn't occur immediately. The ablated nerve takes time to stop transmitting pain signals, and your body needs time to heal from the procedure itself.

Most patients begin noticing improvement within four to six weeks. Maximum benefit typically occurs around three months post-procedure.

Follow-up appointments allow me to track your progress and address any concerns. I typically see patients at two weeks, six weeks, three months, and six months after the procedure.

These visits help ensure you're progressing as expected and allow for adjustments to your rehabilitation plan if needed.

Long-term safety data through five years shows no serious device-related adverse events. The procedure's safety profile remains favorable even with extended follow-up, which provides reassurance for patients considering this treatment.

Physical therapy often plays a role in optimizing outcomes. I work with therapists who understand vertebrogenic pain and can design programs that support your recovery without overloading the treated segments.

Some patients require activity modifications long-term. This doesn't mean you can't return to activities you enjoy, but it may mean adjusting how you perform certain movements or exercises.

In my practice, I emphasize realistic expectations during the consultation process. Not every patient achieves complete pain elimination, but many experience enough improvement to meaningfully change their quality of life.

If you are searching for more comprehensive care or need help with ongoing discomfort, we offer a range of chronic pain treatment options tailored for patients coping with persistent pain conditions.

One Patient's Experience

As a pain physician, I value hearing directly from patients about their treatment outcomes.

Real experiences help me understand what matters most to people living with chronic pain. They remind me why accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment selection are so important.

"Always a pleasant and prompt experience, with great results. I'm always made to feel confident and comfortable with my procedures that give me great results. Dr. Weisbein never ceases to amaze me, and the fact she always knows exactly where my pain is emanating from. I've been a patient of hers for years and I always leave her office feeling much better than when I went in. She's amazing, and so is her wonderful staff."

— Suzanne

This is one patient's experience; individual results may vary.

Suzanne's experience reflects what I strive for in every patient interaction—pinpointing the true pain source before recommending treatment. When considering procedures like Intracept, that diagnostic accuracy becomes even more critical for achieving durable outcomes.

Conclusion

The evidence is clear: many patients maintain meaningful relief for years after the Intracept procedure.

Pooled data through 5.6 years confirms that basivertebral nerve ablation produces durable improvements in both pain and function. Two-year responder rates remain stable at 72-74%, and 66% of patients sustain greater than 50% pain reduction at five years. No serious device-related complications have been reported across multiple studies.

As a double board-certified physician in Pain Medicine and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, I've seen how accurate diagnosis transforms outcomes. When vertebrogenic pain is the true source, ablating the basivertebral nerve can restore function you thought you'd lost permanently.

Napa's climate and active lifestyle can place extra demands on recovery and resilience. Whether you're exploring wine country trails or managing the physical demands of daily life, sustained pain relief matters.

We proudly serve Napa and nearby communities such as Yountville, St. Helena, and American Canyon. Local medical facilities in the region, such as Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center, serve the broader community. In this area, additional healthcare services are also available at Adventist Health St. Helena.

If you're ready to explore whether Intracept might help you reclaim your quality of life, schedule a consultation. Let's talk about what we can do to improve your comfort and mobility.

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 advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to feel relief after the Intracept procedure?

Most patients begin noticing improvement within four to six weeks after treatment. The ablated basivertebral nerve takes time to stop transmitting pain signals, and your body needs time to heal from the procedure itself. Maximum benefit typically occurs around three months post-procedure. Some soreness at the treatment site is normal during the first one to two weeks, but this resolves as healing progresses.

Will I need repeat treatments if pain returns?

Research shows that most patients maintain relief without requiring repeat ablation. The five-year data demonstrates sustained improvements in 66% of patients. If pain does return, it's important to determine whether it's from the same vertebrogenic source or a different spinal issue. In my practice, I perform thorough diagnostic workup before considering any additional interventions to ensure we're addressing the correct pain generator.

Is the Intracept procedure safe for patients with bone density concerns?

Real-world data in patients with osteoporosis and osteopenia showed significant pain reduction with favorable safety profiles. No post-procedure vertebral compression fractures occurred in these studies, suggesting the procedure doesn't compromise bone integrity even in patients with reduced bone density. The radiofrequency probe targets only the basivertebral nerve inside the vertebral body without affecting structural stability. I evaluate bone health as part of the pre-procedure assessment.

Where can I find the Intracept procedure in Napa?

Dr. Jacqueline Weisbein at Napa Valley Orthopaedic Medical Group offers physician-guided Intracept procedures tailored to your vertebrogenic pain needs. Located in Napa, our practice provides personalized, evidence-based care in a professional environment. Schedule your consultation today to explore whether basivertebral nerve ablation is right for you.