Whether you’re hitting the golf course, planning fishing trips, or just trying to keep up with your daily routine, persistent low back pain can make it hard to do the things you love. If you’ve been dealing with back pain for six months or longer and haven’t found relief through physical therapy, injections, or medications, it may be time to consider other options.
Kelly Coleman, MD, a fellowship-trained interventional pain specialist at Bienville Orthopaedic Specialists, 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.
Signs You May Need to See a Doctor
Chronic low back pain can be caused by many factors, but for some people, 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.
- Your doctor has identified vertebrogenic pain as the cause of your discomfort through imaging studies.
If these symptoms sound familiar, it may be time to schedule a consultation with a specialist.
What Is the Intracept Procedure?
The Intracept Procedure is a revolutionary approach to treating vertebrogenic pain. Unlike traditional methods that only manage symptoms, Intracept addresses the pain at its source by using radiofrequency energy to disable the basivertebral nerve. This nerve transmits pain signals from the affected vertebrae, and by ablating it, patients can experience significant and long-lasting relief.
Benefits of the Intracept Procedure
- Minimally Invasive – A small incision is used, reducing recovery time and discomfort.
- Outpatient Treatment – Most patients return home the same day.
- Long-Lasting Relief – Clinical studies have shown sustained pain relief for up to five years.
- No Implants or Hardware – Unlike spinal fusion or disc replacement, this procedure preserves your spine’s natural function.
- Improved Quality of Life – Many patients report better mobility and overall well-being, allowing them to get back to the activities they enjoy.
A Tool in a Comprehensive Pain Management Plan
The Intracept Procedure is just one of the advanced treatments Dr. Coleman and the Interventional Pain Management team at Bienville offer to help patients manage chronic back pain.
“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. My goal is to help people get back to doing what they love—whether that’s walking on the beach, golfing, or just being able to get through the day without constant pain.”
Is the Intracept Procedure Covered by Insurance?
Insurance coverage for the Intracept Procedure is expanding 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 see if this procedure is covered for them,” says Dr. Coleman. “We want to make sure that anyone who could benefit from it has access to it.”
Take the Next Step Toward Pain Relief
If chronic back pain is making it hard to enjoy everything the Gulf Coast has to offer, the Intracept Procedure may be worth exploring. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Coleman to find out if you’re a candidate.
Call 228-230-2663 to make an appointment, or request one online, today.
