Intracept (Basivertebral Nerve Ablation)

At Welbeck, the Intracept is performed as a day-case procedure, which means you can go home on the same day, shortly after treatment.

Before the procedure, your consultant will confirm that your symptoms are caused by vertebrogenic pain. This is done using a combination of:

• medical history

• physical examination

• imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans

• excluding other causes of back pain

During the procedure, your consultant uses a specialised imaging system called a C-arm. This provides live X-ray guidance to ensure accurate placement of the instruments.

The procedure typically involves the following steps:

1. Pre-procedure checks – Your consultant reviews your medical history, medications, and imaging results to confirm your suitability for treatment.

2. Sedation – You’ll receive light sedation to help you feel relaxed and comfortable.

3. Access to the spine – A small instrument is inserted through the bone into the affected vertebra under X-ray guidance

4. Nerve treatment – A specialised probe delivers radiofrequency energy (gentle heat) to the basivertebral nerve, which disrupts pain signals.

5. Recovery – After the procedure, you’ll rest in our centre for up to 3 hours before going home the same day.

The full process, including preparation and recovery time, can take up to 3 or 4 hours.

Because the procedure is minimally invasive, there’s no large incision, and recovery is generally quicker than other treatments, such as traditional spinal surgery.

Your consultant will guide you through how to prepare for your procedure. Preparation is important to make sure the treatment is safe and effective.

You may be asked to:

• attend a pre-procedure review to assess your medical history

• provide details of current medications, especially any blood thinners

• share any known allergies, including to anaesthesia or contrast agents

• bring recent MRI or CT scans of your spine

• fast for a few hours before the procedure if sedation is planned

• arrange for someone to take you home afterwards

You should always follow the specific instructions given by your consultant, as these may vary depending on your health and medical history.

You’ll stay in the centre for a few hours after your procedure to recover before being discharged to go home.

It’s normal to experience mild soreness at the treatment site. This can usually be managed with simple pain relief, such as paracetamol. You’ll also be given clear aftercare instructions, including how to manage any discomfort and when to seek medical advice if needed. 

Most people can return to light daily activities within a few days, although recovery can vary.

Your recovery plan may include:

• rest on the day of the procedure to allow your body to recover

• gradual return to normal activities over the following days

• avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activity for a short period

• following personalised advice from your consultant

A follow-up appointment is usually arranged to:

• review your recovery

• assess improvement in symptoms

• discuss any further care if required

Intracept is considered a safe and well-tolerated procedure. However, as with any medical treatment, there are some potential risks.

These include:

• infection at the treatment site

• bleeding

• temporary soreness or discomfort

• reaction to sedation

• nerve injury (rare)

Serious complications are uncommon. Your consultant will explain these risks clearly and answer any questions before you decide to proceed.

Please contact our Pain Medicine centre directly for pricing and further information.

At Welbeck, our pain medicine specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book an Intracept procedure, you must be referred by either your GP or a specialist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this treatment.

If you’d like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck pain specialist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.