Is the Basivertebral Nerve Ablation Procedure Right for Your Chronic Low Back Pain? A Lake Geneva Specialist’s Guide

Chronic low back pain can make sitting, bending, lifting, exercising, and even routine daily activities uncomfortable. When conservative treatments have not provided lasting relief, the source of the pain may be inside the vertebrae themselves. At Midwest Sports and Interventional Spine in Lake Geneva, we offer the Basivertebral Nerve Ablation Procedure as a minimally invasive option for certain patients with chronic vertebrogenic low back pain.

What Is Vertebrogenic Low Back Pain?

Vertebrogenic pain originates from damaged or inflamed vertebral endplates, which are located where the vertebral bones meet the spinal discs. These changes can activate the basivertebral nerve, or BVN, inside the vertebra and cause persistent low back pain.

Patients may notice that their pain becomes worse with sitting, bending forward, lifting, or physical activity. An MRI is an important part of determining whether vertebral endplate changes, known as Modic changes, may be contributing to the symptoms.

How Does the Basivertebral Nerve Ablation Procedure Work?

The Basivertebral Nerve Ablation Procedure targets the basivertebral nerve responsible for transmitting pain signals from damaged vertebral endplates. During the procedure, a specialized probe is guided into the affected vertebra. Radiofrequency energy is then used to ablate the basivertebral nerve and interrupt its ability to transmit pain signals. Basivertebral Nerve Ablation does not require a permanent implant and is designed as a minimally invasive, same-day procedure.

Who May Be a Candidate for Basivertebral Nerve Ablation?

A detailed evaluation at our Lake Geneva office helps us determine the actual source of your symptoms. Basivertebral Nerve Ablation may be considered when:

•          Low back pain has persisted for six months or longer

•          Conservative treatments have not provided adequate relief

•          Pain is primarily centered in the lower back

•          Sitting, bending, or activity frequently aggravates symptoms

•          An MRI shows Modic changes associated with vertebral endplate damage

Other conditions can cause similar symptoms, so an accurate diagnosis is essential before recommending treatment.

What Happens During an Basivertebral Nerve Ablation Evaluation?

At Midwest Sports and Interventional Spine, we begin by reviewing your symptoms, medical history, previous treatments, and imaging. We look closely at whether the pattern of your pain matches vertebrogenic low back pain and whether your MRI findings support the diagnosis.

Dr. Cyril Philip is double board-certified in anesthesiology and interventional pain medicine and was the first physician to bring the Basivertebral Nerve Ablation Procedure to Southeast Wisconsin. Our goal is to identify the source of your pain and recommend an individualized treatment plan focused on restoring function while avoiding more invasive treatment whenever appropriate.

If chronic low back pain continues to interfere with your daily activities, schedule an evaluation with Midwest Sports and Interventional Spine to find out whether the Basivertebral Nerve Ablation Procedure may be right for you. Contact our office in Lake Geneva, WI by calling (262) 299-6199 to book an appointment.