Relief Through Heat: The CORE Institute pioneers new solution for chronic back pain

Apr 29, 2025 | Blog, News & Community

Intracept eases lower back pain by calming the nerves that send pain signals

PHOENIX (April 29, 2025) — The CORE Institute is at the forefront of treating chronic low back pain in Arizonans with a new procedure called Intracept. Three physicians at The CORE Institute, Dr. Anuj Daftari, Dr. Eric Feldman, and Dr. Evan Freedman, all specialists in spine care and pain management, perform the procedure and have seen impressive results

With Intracept, the physician makes a small incision in the back and inserts a radiofrequency probe into the vertebrae. That probe applies heat to desensitize the nerve that transmits pain signals to the brain – the basivertebral nerve. This minimally invasive treatment typically takes 30 minutes to perform and is designed to provide lasting pain relief to patients. As the only FDA-approved treatment specifically for this type of chronic low back pain, Intracept offers a promising solution for people who have not experienced relief through other methods.

“This procedure is revolutionary because it directly targets the source of pain in a way that traditional treatments cannot,” said Dr. Feldman. “For patients who experience pain when bending forward or sitting for extended periods, Intracept offers a solution that can dramatically improve their quality of life.”

Dr. Daftari reports, “These patients have already gone through conservative measures. They’ve tried medications; they have been through other injections. They have had severe and debilitating pain longer than six months, and in some cases, many years.”

One of Dr. Daftari’s patients, Jennifer Munsil, suffered from years of chronic low back pain and reported drastic improvement in her quality of life after undergoing Intracept. “I would have to get exceptions at work because I could not bend down and tie my shoes. I did PT, I had epidural injections, nothing changed,” said Munsil. “Following the Intracept procedure, I can enjoy time with husband, I’m able to walk. I’m able to take care of my tomato garden.”

Many patients who have undergone the Intracept procedure at The Core Institute Arizona have had similar experiences seeing dramatic improvements in their pain levels and functionality. Dr. Freedman highlighted the impact that the procedure can have on restoring daily function for patients whose pain has persisted despite other treatments.

“What’s most rewarding is seeing patients regain the simple parts of life—walking the dog, sitting through a movie, or picking up their grandkids,” said Dr. Freedman. “These everyday activities are often taken for granted until chronic pain takes them away. Intracept gives us a way to help patients reclaim them.”

While this procedure does not fix all types of chronic low back pain, the appropriate patient will often see miraculous improvements in their overall pain and functionality. Dr. Feldman noted he has had patients return to golf, pickleball and tennis after years of being unable to play due to their pain.

“It can be a game changer for the right patient,” said Dr. Feldman. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see people who’ve tried everything finally get relief and start doing the things they love again.”

For more information on the Intracept procedure or to schedule a consultation, please contact The CORE Institute Arizona at 877.987.8438 or visit https://thecoreinstituteaz.com/.

###

About The CORE Institute

The CORE Institute was founded to fulfill a vision of excellence in patient care encompassing the entire spectrum of orthopedic and neurosciences care. The CORE Institute delivers integrated, comprehensive musculoskeletal and neurological care.  It is built upon a foundation of pioneering research, academics, community service and a passion for excellence in patient care. The organization continues to be a leader in payor-reform initiatives, and it is at the forefront of systems-based quality programs, which drive value and improve the quality of patient care.  For more information, visit www.TheCOREInstitute.com

About Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo)

Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo) is the national leader of integrated musculoskeletal value-based health outcomes management, practice management and health system service line management. This includes comprehensive expertise across all MSK specialties, including orthopedics, spine, neurosurgery, hand, pain management, rehabilitation and neurology. HOPCo’s integrated care, analytics and facilities development and management platforms have proven to increase the quality of patient care while reliably reducing the total cost of care across the care continuum for practices, health systems and payors alike. HOPCo’s affiliated payors, practices and health systems successfully participate in highly efficient value-based contracting (bundled payments, chronic episodes of care initiatives, population health programs and other advanced risk-based arrangements) utilizing HOPCo’s proprietary platforms, IT solutions, integrated analytics and evidence-based comprehensive care pathways. Visit https://hopco.com to learn more.

Media Contact:
Annebeth Ahrenholz
Communications Specialist
Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo)
Annebeth.Ahrenholz@hopco.com

###

Annebeth Ahrenholz
Latest posts by Annebeth Ahrenholz (see all)