WashU Medicine Pain Management specialists are helping patients with chronic low back pain achieve long-term pain relief with a minimally invasive procedure called basivertebral nerve (BVN) ablation. This treatment specifically targets vertebrogenic pain which originates from the vertebral endplates – bony structures in the spine. The basivertebral nerve plays a central role in transmitting pain signals in people with this type of back pain. BVN ablation targets the nerve to stop pain signals, providing lasting pain relief for many patients.
Who Can Benefit from Basivertebral Nerve Ablation?
BVN ablation is intended for patients that have had chronic low back that has not responded to conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications or injections. This procedure is specifically for individuals whose pain has been identified a vertebrogenic, often confirmed through MRI scans. Common candidates include people with:
- Persistent low back pain lasting six months or longer
- Pain and loss of function when sitting, standing, or bending the spine forward
- Limited or no response to other treatments like physical therapy, medications or injections
How Basivertebral Nerve Ablation Works
BVN ablation works by using radiofrequency energy to target and ablate the basivertebral nerve which is responsible for sending pain signals from the affected vertebrae. The procedure is done under image guidance allowing our doctors to precisely reach the targeted nerve. The procedure entails:
- Preparation: The patient is positioned on their stomach to allow the physician optimal access to the spine. Local anesthesia is applied and sedation may be used.
- Access: Using a specialized needle, the physician accesses the basivertebral nerve.
- Ablation: Radio frequency energy is applied through the needle to heat and deactivate the basivertebral nerve, reducing its ability to transmit pain signals to the brain.
Patients can return home the same day as the procedure. Most patients experience minimal post-procedural discomfort and can resume light activities within a few days. Unlike temporary solutions, BVN ablation can provide long-lasting pain relief by targeting the nerve directly responsible for pain transmission. Many patients experience significant improvements in mobility, function, and quality of life after the procedure.