What is vertebrogenic pain?
Vertebrogenic pain is a specific type of pain that affects the lower back due to damaged vertebral endplates. Endplates are layers of bone and cartilage, located at the top and bottom of each vertebra. The purpose of the endplates is to act as a buffer between the actual vertebra bone and the spinal discs. Nearly 30 million people suffer from vertebrogenic pain, and it’s most common among aging individuals or those with other degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease.
Other causes of vertebrogenic pain may include:
- Wear and tear on the spine
- Repetitive jobs or activities like bending or twisting
- Trauma or an injury to the spine
- Slip and fall accidents
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Family history of chronic back pain
Symptoms of Vertebrogenic Pain
Vertebrogenic pain is usually described as deep, burning, or aching pain in the lower back. Pain may also occur in the middle back and worsen when sitting for long periods. Additionally, this condition may cause tingling, numbness, or weakness in the back or limbs since the surrounding nerves can be affected.
How is vertebrogenic pain treated?
As with many other degenerative conditions, pain management doctors often take a conservative approach initially. Conservative treatment includes anti-inflammatory medication, rest, physical therapy, exercising regularly, eating a balanced and healthy diet, and maintaining a healthy weight for your height and age. However, when conservative measures fail to provide adequate pain relief, minimally invasive treatments are available at Midsouth Spine & Pain Associates.
Basivertebral nerve ablation is a minimally invasive procedure to reduce pain associated with vertebrogenic pain. Also referred to as BVN or the Intercept procedure, this treatment delivers radiofrequency energy to the targeted area to disrupt pain signals to the brain, providing lasting relief. The procedure involves making a tiny incision about 3-5 mm in length; then, the pain management doctor inserts a tiny probe or cannula into the center of the vertebrae near the Basivertebral nerve. Heat is then applied to desensitize the nerve, making it impossible to transmit pain signals. The procedure takes about an hour and a half but is outpatient, meaning you can go home afterward. Recovery is minimal, and many patients live healthy, active lives with reduced back pain.
Treating Vertebrogenic Pain in Southwest Tennessee and North Mississippi, including Tupelo, MS and Jackson TN
Chronic back pain lasting most days of the week for more than six months can interfere with your life, preventing you from caring for yourself or taking part in activities that you love. Thanks to advancements in pain management, you have a choice to reduce your pain. At Midsouth Spine & Pain Associates, we offer minimally invasive treatments for chronic back pain associated. It’s time to put chronic low back pain in the past and live a pain-free life again. Learn more about BVN or schedule a consultation with Midsouth Spine & Pain Associates by calling (662) 284-8565 to find out if you are a candidate for this procedure.