Basivertebral nerve ablation (BVNA) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic vertebrogenic low back pain, which is pain originating from the vertebral endplates—the thin layers of bone between the intervertebral discs and vertebrae. This type of pain is commonly associated with degeneration of spinal discs and Modic changes visible on MRI scans. The basivertebral nerve transmits pain signals from these endplates to the brain. In patients with vertebrogenic pain, this nerve becomes a source of chronic discomfort. During the procedure, a specialized needle is guided into the vertebral body using fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray imaging). A small probe is then inserted to deliver radiofrequency (RF) energy, which heats and ablates (destroys) the basivertebral nerve. This interrupts the transmission of pain signals from the degenerated endplates. Basivertebral nerve ablation is typically performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia with light sedation. The procedure takes about 1 hour, and most patients go home the same day.
Meet Our Team Of Doctors
Dr. James Yu
Board Certified Anesthesiologist
Board Certified Interventional
Pain Management Physician
Dylan J. O'Rourke
Certified Physician Assistant
Pain Condition We Treat
Improve your quality of life with our comprehensive approach to pain management
We are dedicated to finding individualized treatment options tailored to fit your needs. Our team is dedicated to helping you lead a productive and active life, free from pain and disruption.
We use an integrative approach to conduct a comprehensive evaluation and assess your condition.
Physical examination and review of your medical history. We assess the cause of your pain, determine its severity and duration, and help you develop an individualized treatment plan.
We provide a range of treatments and procedures to address your chronic pain. These include nerve blocks, injections, physical therapy, implantable therapies and more. We also offer health education to help you better manage your condition.