Whether you’re hitting the golf course, planning fishing trips, or simply trying to keep up with your daily routine, persistent low back pain can make it difficult to enjoy the things you love. If you’ve been living with back pain for six months or longer and haven’t found relief through physical therapy, injections, or medications, it may be time to explore other options.
At Bienville Orthopaedic Specialists, our Interventional Pain Management team continues to grow to better serve patients along the Gulf Coast. Dr. Kelly Coleman, MD, a fellowship-trained interventional pain specialist, was the first physician on the Mississippi Gulf Coast to perform the Intracept® Procedure—a cutting-edge, minimally invasive treatment that directly targets the source of certain types of chronic back pain. He is now joined by Dr. Matthew Blanchard, MD, further expanding access to advanced interventional pain care for our community.
Together, Dr. Coleman and Dr. Blanchard are committed to delivering personalized, evidence-based solutions to help patients reclaim their quality of life.
Signs You May Need to See a Doctor
Chronic low back pain can stem from many causes. For some individuals, the pain originates from the vertebral endplates—a condition known as vertebrogenic pain.
You may be a candidate for the Intracept Procedure if:
- Your pain has persisted for six months or longer.
- Conservative treatments such as physical therapy, injections, and medications have not provided lasting relief.
- Imaging studies have identified vertebrogenic pain as the source of your discomfort.
If this sounds familiar, it may be time to schedule a consultation with one of our interventional pain specialists.
What Is the Intracept Procedure?
The Intracept Procedure is a revolutionary approach to treating vertebrogenic pain. Unlike traditional treatments that focus primarily on symptom management, Intracept targets pain at its source.
Using radiofrequency energy, the procedure disables the basivertebral nerve—the nerve responsible for transmitting pain signals from the affected vertebrae. By ablating this nerve, patients may experience significant and long-lasting relief.
Benefits of the Intracept Procedure
- Minimally Invasive – Performed through a small incision, which helps reduce recovery time and discomfort.
- Outpatient Procedure – Most patients go home the same day.
- Long-Lasting Relief – Clinical studies have demonstrated sustained pain relief for up to five years.
- No Implants or Hardware – Unlike spinal fusion or disc replacement, the procedure preserves your spine’s natural structure.
- Improved Quality of Life – Many patients report better mobility and the ability to return to activities they enjoy.
A Key Part of a Comprehensive Pain Management Plan
The Intracept Procedure is just one of many advanced treatments offered by our Interventional Pain Management team at Bienville Orthopaedic Specialists.
“I work with each patient to find the best treatment plan for their specific pain,” says Dr. Coleman. “The Intracept Procedure is a great option for some, but it’s just one tool in our toolbox. Our goal is to help people get back to doing what they love—whether that’s walking on the beach, golfing, or simply getting through the day without constant pain.”
With the addition of Dr. Blanchard to the team, patients now have even greater access to specialized interventional pain care and a collaborative approach focused on long-term results.
Is the Intracept Procedure Covered by Insurance?
Insurance coverage for the Intracept Procedure continues to expand as more providers recognize its effectiveness. Medicare and several commercial insurance plans currently cover the procedure, though individual coverage may vary.
Our team is happy to help patients navigate the insurance process and determine whether this treatment is covered under their plan. We are committed to helping ensure that patients who may benefit from the procedure have access to it.
Take the Next Step Toward Relief
If chronic back pain is limiting your ability to enjoy everything the Gulf Coast has to offer, the Intracept Procedure may be worth exploring.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Coleman or Dr. Blanchard to find out whether you’re a candidate.
📞 Call 228-230-2663 to make an appointment, or request one online today at https://app.nextdrvisit.com/request-appointment/BIENVILLE
