Anthony Giuffrida, MD, Cantor Spine’s board-certified Physiatrist, is the first and only physician in South Florida to offer breakthrough treatment for patients with chronic low back pain. The Intracept Procedure is a new minimally invasive approach that is clinically proven to provide long term relief for chronic low back pain.
Low back pain is the most expensive occupational disorder in the United States and a leading cause of disability worldwide. CLBP impacts approximately 30 million people in the United States with nearly 900,000 new occurrences each year. The majority of CLBP sufferers do not get adequate relief from conservative treatments and are not surgical candidates. Today, nearly 80 percent of CLBP sufferers fail to find pain relief with available treatments.
One cause of CLBP is microfractures of the vertebral body endplates. Back injury, genetic makeup, and other factors can cause degeneration of the spine, placing stress on the vertebral body endplates. The stress on the endplates can lead to microfractures. The basivertebral nerve is located within the vertebral body and transmits pain from the vertebral body endplates causing CLBP.
Intracept is a minimally invasive procedure that integrates two decades of scientific research on the basivertebral nerve and its role in CLBP. Following a small incision, instruments and Xray guidance is used to reach the basivertebral nerve. Once the correct position is verified radiofrequency energy, or heat, ablates the basivertebral nerve which in turn will stop the transmission of pain signals. Intracept is an outpatient procedure, which does not involve an implant or change the structure of the spine. A 225-patient clinical trial demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of the Intracept Procedure, proving long-term relief of chronic low back pain.
“Other than surgery, we’ve never had anything to offer patients suffering from debilitating chronic low back pain that have failed conservative therapy. With the Intracept Procedure, we are embarking on a paradigm shift in how we treat chronic low back pain. The significant improvement in pain and function demonstrated by the Intracept Procedure provides clear proof of the effectiveness of this treatment,” stated Anthony Giuffrida, MD.
About the Intracept Procedure
Relievant Medsystem’s Intracept System is based on ground breaking anatomic research that identified and demonstrated the role of the basivertebral nerve (BVN) in generating low back pain from the vertebral body endplates. The procedure uses a trans-pedicular, minimally invasive approach to reach the BVN near the center of the vertebral body, and uses radiofrequency energy to ablate the nerve; once ablated, these nerves no longer transmit pain signals. Dr. Giuffrida performs the Intracept Procedure under image guidance in the outpatient setting, with the entire procedure taking approximately 80 minutes. Treated patients report nearly immediate relief of their back pain. The Intracept System is intended to be used in conjunction with radiofrequency (RF) generators for the ablation of basivertebral nerves of the L3 through S1 vertebrae for the relief of chronic low back pain of at least six months duration that has not responded to at least six months of conservative care and is also accompanied by either Type 1 or Type 2 Modic changes on an MRI.
At Cantor Spine Institute, we specialize in a holistic approach to spinal care through minimally-invasive surgery, cutting-edge technology, methodical research and analysis, and exceptional patient experiences. Our practice is anchored by a comprehensive, whole-body approach to spinal care, and patient-specific perioperative risk mitigation program. Our first goal is always to avoid surgery. If a patient does not respond to a well-managed, non-surgical treatment path, then we identify the ideal minimally-invasive procedure to pursue. In chronic lower back pain, the Intracept procedure has clinically shown to provide long term relief.
Our nationally-recognized team takes the time to connect with, listen to, and really hear a patient and caregiver’s needs and concerns. We thoroughly review, assess, and identify the best treatment plan for a given individual. Every case is different, but all patients are the same in receiving the most thoughtful, personalized plan for treatment and recovery. If you or a loved one are suffering with chronic back pain, please call our office at (985) 567-1332 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Giuffrida.
PATIENT TESTIMONIAL
James Seymour, Chronic Low Back Pain
“I have been suffering with chronic low back pain for more than 20 years. I have sought out massage therapy, chiropractic care, and epidural steroid injections to relieve my pain. Some of it worked for a while, but I after a few months the pain would always return. Eventually, I just started thinking I’d have to learn to live with chronic pain. That was until I found Dr. Anthony Giuffrida at Cantor Spine Institute. My first treatment was on the conservative side. I had an intradiscal injection that helped me for about two months. Dr. Giuffrida told me about the modic changes occurring in my spine and recommended that I try the new FDA approved procedure called Intracept. I agreed because, based on the research, individuals have been pain-free for years after the procedure. Dr. Giuffrida performed the procedure on me in early January 2019. I had immediate relief! I would wholeheartedly recommend anyone with modic changes in their lower back to see Dr. Giuffrida.”