In the United States, thirty million people suffer from chronic low back pain, which is defined as pain that lasts for more than six months. For many individuals, this pain persists for years despite trying various treatments such as medication, steroid injections, and chiropractic care. When these traditional methods fail to provide relief, people often feel stuck and out of options. However, a new procedure is offering hope for those suffering from debilitating back pain.
Andrea Beagle is one such individual who found relief through a new procedure called basivertebral nerve ablation (BVN). After experiencing severe back pain that left her unable to move without excruciating pain, Beagle sought help from Dr. Kevin “Buzz” Barrette, an interventional Pain Specialist at Scripps Clinic Medical Group in San Diego. Beagle was diagnosed with vertebrogenic back pain, which is characterized by pain originating from the vertebrae.
BVN ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that involves burning the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the spine to the brain. While this procedure doesn’t address the structural issues causing the pain, it effectively blocks the sensation of pain, providing much-needed relief for patients like Beagle. The recovery process following BVN ablation is typically minimal, allowing patients to resume their normal activities soon after the procedure.
For Beagle, BVN ablation was a life-changing treatment that finally allowed her to regain mobility and enjoy activities with her grandchildren. Medicare covers the cost of this procedure, making it accessible to a wide range of individuals suffering from chronic back pain. This innovative approach to managing back pain represents a significant breakthrough in the field of pain management and offers renewed hope for those struggling to find relief from long-term back pain.