New Nerve Treatment Offers Fast Relief for Chronic Lower Back Pain—Here's What the Research Shows

A groundbreaking nerve treatment is offering new hope for people suffering from chronic lower back pain, with research showing that 76% of patients experienced at least 50% pain relief within just three weeks. The procedure, called basivertebral nerve ablation, targets a specific type of back pain that comes from damaged vertebrae rather than spinal discs.

Unlike typical back pain from herniated discs or muscle strain, some chronic lower back pain originates from the bones themselves—the vertebrae that make up your spine. When the top and bottom surfaces of these bones become damaged and inflamed, they create what doctors call vertebrogenic pain. This condition causes a deep, aching pain right down the middle of your back that gets worse when you're active, sitting for long periods, or bending forward.

How Does Basivertebral Nerve Ablation Work?

Basivertebral nerve ablation works by essentially "turning off" the nerves inside the damaged vertebrae that send pain signals to your brain. Surgeons target the basivertebral nerve, which transmits these pain signals from the damaged bone surfaces. By deactivating this nerve, the procedure can substantially reduce back pain for people who haven't found relief through physical therapy, medications, or spinal injections.

A recent Yale-led study examined exactly how quickly this treatment works and how long the benefits last. The research, led by Assistant Professor of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation Charles Odonkor, followed 86 patients who had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-confirmed changes in their vertebral endplates and had experienced chronic back pain for at least six months.

What Were the Key Results From the Study?

The timeline of pain relief was remarkably fast and consistent across patients. The study found several encouraging patterns:

• Week One Results: 34% of patients reported at least 50% reduction in pain by the end of the first week
• Three-Week Milestone: 76% of patients achieved at least 50% pain relief by the third week, which researchers identified as the typical timeframe for significant improvement
• Six-Week Mark: 91% of patients experienced substantial pain relief, with improvements sustained through 24 weeks

"The rapid onset of pain relief was one of the most striking findings of our study," said Dr. Odonkor. "Many patients see meaningful improvements within the first few weeks, which is encouraging for those who have been suffering from chronic pain for an extended period of time."

Does the Treatment Improve Daily Function Too?

Beyond pain relief, the procedure significantly improved patients' ability to perform daily activities. Researchers measured this using the Oswestry Disability Index, which assesses how much lower back pain interferes with everyday tasks. Before treatment, patients averaged a score of 66.5, indicating severe disability. This dropped dramatically to 32.3 at 12 weeks and remained at that improved level through 24 weeks.

The study also revealed that patients needed far fewer spine-related treatments after the procedure. Before basivertebral nerve ablation, 86% of patients relied on various spinal injections for pain management. After the treatment, this figure dropped to just 22%.

One particularly valuable finding was that early response predicted long-term success. Patients who experienced significant pain reduction within the first few weeks were much more likely to maintain their improvements over time. Those who reported at least 50% pain relief by week three were more likely to sustain that relief at 12 weeks and beyond.

"Functional improvement is just as important as pain relief," Dr. Odonkor explained. "Our patients not only felt less pain but could also perform daily activities with greater ease. This comprehensive recovery underscores the potential of this treatment."

The research provides compelling evidence that basivertebral nerve ablation offers a durable solution for people with chronic vertebrogenic lower back pain. As studies continue on larger populations over extended periods, this treatment stands out as a highly effective option for those who haven't found relief through traditional approaches.