At Midwest Headache and Spine Pain Institute, we offer Basivertebral Nerve Ablation (BVNA)—a groundbreaking, FDA-approved procedure that targets chronic low back pain at its source.
For patients with vertebrogenic pain—a specific type of pain originating from the endplates of spinal vertebrae—BVNA offers a minimally invasive, long-lasting solution. This treatment addresses the cause of pain rather than masking symptoms with medications or repeated injections.
Why Choose BVNA for Chronic Low Back Pain?
- Targets the root cause of vertebrogenic back pain
- FDA-approved, minimally invasive outpatient procedure
- Long-lasting pain relief without opioids
- Backed by high-quality clinical evidence and real-world outcomes
- Covered by most major insurance plans
What Is Vertebrogenic Pain?
Vertebrogenic pain is a distinct form of chronic low back pain caused by inflammation and damage at the vertebral endplates—the junction between your spinal discs and vertebrae. It is commonly associated with specific changes seen on MRI.
Signs you may have vertebrogenic pain:
- Central low back pain (not radiating to legs)
- Pain worsens with sitting, standing, or bending
- Longstanding pain despite conservative care
- MRI shows Modic changes at L3–S1 levels
How Basivertebral Nerve Ablation Works
The basivertebral nerve carries pain signals from the vertebral endplates to the brain. Using a small probe, BVNA applies radiofrequency energy to disable this nerve—eliminating the transmission of pain.
The Treatment Process:
- Evaluation: MRI review to identify Modic changes and confirm diagnosis.
- Outpatient Procedure: Performed under conscious sedation or light anesthesia.
- Image-Guided Precision: A probe is inserted into the vertebra under fluoroscopy.
- Targeted Ablation: Radiofrequency energy is applied to the basivertebral nerve.
- Recovery: Most patients resume normal activity within days.
Backed by Clinical Evidence
BVNA is supported by multiple randomized controlled trials and long-term follow-up data showing:
- Significant and sustained pain reduction
- Improved function and quality of life
- Reduced reliance on medications and injections
- Durable results lasting 5 years and beyond
Get to the Source of Your Back Pain
If you’ve been living with chronic low back pain despite physical therapy, medications, or injections—and your MRI shows Modic changes—Basivertebral Nerve Ablation may be the answer.
Let our experts at Alleviate Pain & Spine determine if BVNA is right for you.
At Midwest Headache and Spine Pain Institute, we bring advanced, image-guided procedures like BVNA to our patients seeking real, lasting solutions to chronic back pain. Contact us today to schedule your evaluation.