The Minuteman® and Intracept® procedure are minimally invasive treatments designed to manage chronic low back pain caused by lumbar facet joint syndrome. But each targets a different area, and the rates of success and effectiveness depend on the unique needs of the patient.
At Republic Spine and Pain, our pain management doctors and specialists offer customized pain management treatment plans at three convenient locations in Austin, Leander, and Georgetown, Texas.
Here’s what you need to know about the differences between the Minuteman and Intracept procedures and which is best for you.
The Minuteman is a small implant containing bone graft material used to fuse and stabilize the spine. The device is inserted through a small, one-inch incision in your side and held in place by bilateral locking plates. Since the Minuteman procedure is a minimally invasive alternative to open back surgery, you don’t have to worry about the risk and side effects associated with traditional surgery.
That shortens your recovery time and allows you to avoid an extended hospital stay. In fact, Minuteman is a same-day procedure.
Minuteman may be a good fit for you if:
Our team of pain management specialists performs a comprehensive exam and medical history and recommends the best treatment for your situation.
Like Minuteman, Intracept is also a minimally invasive procedure designed to alleviate back pain. Intracept is performed by inserting a small catheter into the vertebrae to target and ablate the basivertebral nerve, which is responsible for transmitting pain signals from the lumbar facet joint to the brain.
Intracept uses radio frequency waves to fray specific nerve fibers to mute the pain signals. While it’s performed under general anesthesia, Intracept is an outpatient procedure, so you can expect to go home on the same day. Celebrities, including Carson Daly, have undergone Intracept to manage chronic back pain.
Minuteman and Intracept are available for people that have been living with chronic back pain for a prolonged time (at least six months). Also, they must have tried more conservative treatments that have failed to produce results or stopped providing adequate relief.
For more information about how the Minuteman and Intracept procedures work, contact us today to schedule an appointment with a pain management specialist at one of our offices in Leander, Austin, Georgetown, Texas.
