Trust Radiology team completes first Intracept™ procedure for chronic low back pain relief in Europe

Date: 24/07/2025 | Category: News 2025

Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust has become the first trust in Europe to carry out a new treatment called the Intracept™ procedure at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. This is a minimally invasive treatment option for patients with chronic vertebrogenic low back pain.

The procedure was carried out by Dr David McKean, Clinical Lead for Radiology at the Trust, and his team earlier this month. It works by gently heating a small nerve inside the spine called the basivertebral nerve. This nerve sends pain signals to the brain when the spine is damaged. By stopping the nerve from sending these signals, the treatment helps reduce pain.

More than 5.5 million people in the United Kingdom suffer from chronic low back pain (CLBP), which is the second most common cause of disability worldwide.1 Vertebrogenic pain is a type of CLBP, which impacts about one in six people of that patient group, arises from damage to the vertebral endplates – the junction between the spinal disc and vertebral body. Patients typically experience persistent central lower back pain, which intensifies with certain movements or prolonged sitting.

In studies, 75% of patients felt better and could move more easily after just one treatment. Many people were able to return to the activities they enjoyed before their back pain started. These improvements lasted for over five years.2

Lauren, a 33-year-old mother of 2, had struggled with severe low back pain for many years which at times had left her bedridden. She tolerated the basivertebral nerve ablation procedure very well and was delighted that her back pain was improved within days of her procedure and she was able to stop taking opiate medication for the first time in many years. Lauren said: “My back pain is already significantly better, and I am looking forward to being able to look after my young children without being limited by low back pain”.

Emma, a 51 year old fitness coach, had suffered from severe low back for many years which had not responded to non-surgical treatments. Her back pain was dramatically improved following her day-case basivertebral nerve ablation procedure. Emma said: “Within a week my back pain was only 2/10 and I have not had to take any additional pain medication. I am looking forward to returning to my active lifestyle without suffering with debilitating chronic low back pain.”

Dr McKean said: “Our priority is delivering safe and highly effective treatments that truly transform our patients’ lives. Intracept™ stands out as the only procedure uniquely engineered to target vertebrogenic pain, a condition often overlooked in traditional back pain therapies. Backed by robust clinical evidence and long-term patient outcomes, this minimally invasive option offers sustained relief and improved function for those suffering from chronic low back pain. It marks a significant step forward in personalised pain management.”

Andrew McLaren, Chief Medical Officer at the Trust, said: “Being chosen to carry out the first Intracept™ procedure in Europe is a remarkable achievement and a reflection of the expertise and commitment of our Radiology team. It highlights our Trust’s dedication to leading the way in delivering innovative and outstanding care to our patients in Buckinghamshire.”

Basivertebral nerve ablation does not treat all forms of back pain and is specifically indicated for chronic vertebrogenic pain which has not responded to non-surgical treatments. Patients should discuss with their clinical team as to whether this treatment may be suitable for them.

1. Husky, M., Farin, F. et al. Chronic back pain and its association with quality of life in a large French population survey. Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2018 Sep 26;16:195
2. Fischgrund J, Rhyne A, Macadaeg K, et al. Long-term outcomes following intraosseous basivertebral nerve ablation for the treatment of chronic low back pain: 5-year treatment arm results from a prospective randomized double-blind sham-controlled multi-center study. Eur Spine J. 2020;29(8):1925-34. doi.org/10.1007/s00586-020-06448-x

Photos taken by trainee Medical Photographer Natasha Tiltman