Basivertebral Nerve Ablation (BVNA)

Basivertebral Nerve Ablation (BVNA) for Chronic Lower Back Pain

Persistent lower back pain that worsens with prolonged sitting or bending can be difficult to manage, especially when conventional therapies fail. For many patients, the underlying source of pain isn't the spinal discs or surrounding muscles—it is vertebrogenic pain, originating directly from damage or inflammation within the vertebral body endplates.

At Houston Pain Specialists, Dr. Hui Kang provides Basivertebral Nerve Ablation (BVNA), an innovative, minimally invasive procedure targeting the basivertebral nerve (BVN) to deliver long-term relief from chronic vertebrogenic back pain.

Understanding Vertebrogenic Pain and BVNA

The vertebrogenic endplates located between your vertebrae and intervertebral discs are rich in nerve fibers. Over time, degeneration and wear-and-tear cause micro-fractures and inflammation in these endplates, causing the basivertebral nerve (BVN) to send chronic pain signals to the brain. On an MRI, these endplate changes are often identified as Modic changes (Type 1 or Type 2).

Basivertebral Nerve Ablation (BVNA) stops these pain signals at their source using targeted radiofrequency energy to heat and calm the BVN, permanently interrupting the transmission of pain signals.

Benefits of BVNA

• Targeted Pain Relief: Directly treats the specific nerve causing endplate-driven back pain.
• Minimally Invasive: Performed as an outpatient procedure through a small access site in the lower back.
• Preserves Spinal Structure: Does not require spinal fusion, hardware implants, or removal of disc tissue.
• Durable, Long-Term Results: Clinical studies demonstrate relief that lasts for years following a single treatment.

What to Expect During the Procedure

BVNA is performed on an outpatient basis under moderate sedation or general anesthesia:

1. Guidance: Dr. Kang uses real-time fluoroscopic imaging to navigate a micro-cannula to the exact path of the basivertebral nerve within the vertebral body.
2. Ablation: A radiofrequency probe is inserted to deliver precise heat, desensitizing the BVN.
3. Completion: The probe is removed, and a small bandage is applied to the incision site. Patients typically return home the same day.

Are You a Candidate for BVNA?

BVNA may be recommended if:

• You have suffered from chronic lower back pain for at least 6 months.
• Your pain has not adequately responded to conservative treatments (such as physical therapy, medications, or injections).
• An MRI reveals Modic changes (Type 1 or Type 2 degenerative signs) along the vertebral endplates.

Take the Next Step Toward Lasting Pain Relief

Dr. Hui Kang and the team at Houston Pain Specialists are dedicated to diagnosing the root cause of your chronic back pain and applying advanced interventional treatments to help you live life to the fullest.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How is vertebrogenic back pain diagnosed?

Vertebrogenic pain is diagnosed by combining a thorough clinical evaluation with a specialized review of your lumbar MRI. Dr. Kang specifically looks for Modic changes (inflammatory or degenerative signals in the bone endplates), which confirm the BVN is the source of your pain.

Is Basivertebral Nerve Ablation a permanent fix?

Because the basivertebral nerve within the bone lacks the sheath required for typical nerve regeneration, BVN ablation provides long-lasting pain relief. Clinical studies show sustained pain relief and functional improvement for 5+ years post-procedure.

What is the recovery time after a BVNA procedure?

BVNA is an outpatient procedure. Most patients experience minimal post-procedure soreness at the access site and return to light routine activities within a few days.

Is BVNA / Intracept covered by insurance?

BVNA has gained broad insurance coverage, including Medicare and major commercial payors (such as Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare), for patients who meet clinical indications. Our team will verify your benefits during your initial consultation.