How Basivertebral Nerve Ablation Works for Back Pain
If you’ve had chronic low back pain that hasn’t improved (even after back surgery) you’re not alone. Many people experience ongoing discomfort from vertebrogenic pain, which originates in the bones of the spine. Basivertebral nerve ablation is a minimally invasive treatment that targets this specific source of pain. In this post, we’ll break down how it works, who it helps, and why it’s becoming a go-to option for patients with persistent spine-related pain.
How Basivertebral Nerve Ablation Works for Chronic Low Back Pain
Back pain that just won’t go away, despite therapy, rest, or medication, might be vertebrogenic. That means the pain originates in the vertebral endplates, a condition not caused by disc herniation or arthritis but by inflammation in the bones themselves.
At Wisteria Health, we treat this unique type of back pain with basivertebral nerve ablation, a targeted, minimally invasive procedure that can dramatically reduce pain and improve function.
What Is Vertebrogenic Back Pain?
Vertebrogenic pain is caused by inflammation in the vertebral endplates: the junctions between your spinal discs and vertebrae. When this tissue is damaged, it triggers a nerve inside the bone called the basivertebral nerve, which sends pain signals directly to the brain.
This condition is often diagnosed through MRI, where radiologists look for Modic changes, a telltale sign of endplate damage.
How Basivertebral Nerve Ablation Works
During BVNA, a small probe is guided into the affected vertebra under fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray). The probe emits radiofrequency energy to heat and deactivate the basivertebral nerve, preventing it from sending pain signals.
The entire procedure is done through a small incision, usually takes less than an hour, and patients go home the same day.
Want to see how it works? Here’s a step-by-step animation from Spine-Health.
Who’s a Good Candidate?
BVNA is ideal for patients who:
Have had chronic low back pain for 6+ months
Have tried other treatments without success
Show Modic changes on a recent MRI
Prefer a non-surgical, low-risk treatment option
Learn more about candidacy and similar treatments on our Basivertebral Nerve Ablation service page or browse our specialties.
Benefits Backed by Research
Clinical studies show that patients who undergo BVNA experience:
Long-lasting pain relief
Reduced need for opioids or other medications
Improved mobility and quality of life
Relief sustained for up to 5 years post-treatment
More on BVNA's clinical background can be found through the Cleveland Clinic.
FDA Approved
Your Next Step
If you've been told there are no more options, or you’re just tired of managing pain, basivertebral nerve ablation may be the answer. At Wisteria Health, we combine advanced techniques with personalized care to treat the true source of your discomfort.
Schedule a consultation today and start your journey toward lasting relief.