Nearly 80% of adults experience lower back pain at some point in their lives, and for many, the pain becomes a chronic, daily struggle. If you've tried physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, and injections without lasting relief, vertebrogenic pain could be the underlying cause.
Surgical Spine Associates is a trusted provider of comprehensive spine pain treatment in PA. Our experienced team can help identify the root cause of your pain and develop a personalized treatment plan. Ready to find relief? Schedule an appointment with us today.
Here are five key signs that your back pain may be vertebrogenic—and what that diagnosis means for your treatment options.
1. Your Pain Has Lasted Six Months or Longer
Vertebrogenic pain is a type of chronic lower back pain that originates from damaged nerve endings in the vertebral endplates. Unlike acute injuries that heal within weeks, vertebrogenic pain persists for six months or more. If your back pain has been ongoing despite conservative treatments, it's worth exploring whether vertebrogenic pain is to blame.
2. Activity and Sitting Make It Worse
Does your pain flare up when you're active or sitting for long periods? Vertebrogenic pain typically worsens with movement and prolonged sitting because these activities place pressure on the damaged vertebral endplates. Many patients notice their pain intensifies throughout the day, especially after commuting, working at a desk, or engaging in physical activity.
3. Your Imaging Shows Modic Changes
Modic changes are specific abnormalities seen on MRI scans that indicate inflammation or damage to the vertebral endplates. Type 1 and Type 2 Modic changes are strongly associated with vertebrogenic pain. If your imaging has revealed these changes, it's a significant clue that your pain may be vertebrogenic in origin.
4. Previous Treatments Haven't Worked
Have you tried epidural injections, physical therapy, or other conservative treatments without success? Vertebrogenic pain often doesn't respond to these standard approaches because it targets a different pain source. If you've exhausted multiple treatment options and still struggle with chronic pain, it may be time to consider a spine specialist near me who can evaluate you for vertebrogenic pain.
5. You Have a History of Disc Degeneration
Vertebrogenic pain is frequently linked to chronic disc degeneration and other spine issues. If you've been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease or have had previous spine problems, you may be at higher risk for developing vertebrogenic pain. This condition often develops as a result of ongoing wear and tear on the spine over time.
What Does a Vertebrogenic Diagnosis Mean?
If your symptoms align with vertebrogenic pain, the good news is that targeted treatments are available. One innovative option is the Intracept procedure, a minimally invasive treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to block the pain signals from the damaged vertebral endplates. Many patients experience significant, long-lasting relief after this procedure.
Get Expert Care for Your Chronic Back Pain
Vertebrogenic pain is treatable—and you don't have to live with it. Surgical Spine Associates specializes in diagnosing and treating complex spine conditions, including vertebrogenic pain.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward lasting relief.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is vertebrogenic pain?
Vertebrogenic pain is a type of chronic back pain caused by damage or degeneration in the vertebral endplates. It is often associated with inflammation and can lead to persistent discomfort.
2. How is vertebrogenic pain diagnosed?
Diagnosing vertebrogenic pain typically involves a thorough medical history review, physical examination, and advanced imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans to pinpoint the source of the pain.
3. What treatments are available for vertebrogenic pain?
Treatments may include non-surgical options such as physical therapy, medications, and injections. For more severe cases, a minimally invasive procedure like intraosseous basivertebral nerve ablation may be recommended.
4. Is intraosseous basivertebral nerve ablation safe?
Yes, this procedure is considered safe and effective for reducing chronic back pain. It is minimally invasive and specifically targets the nerves transmitting pain signals without the need for major surgery.
5. How long does it take to recover after treatment?
Recovery times can vary depending on the specific treatment, but most patients undergoing intraosseous basivertebral nerve ablation experience significant improvement within a few weeks after the procedure.