Pain Management Physician Performs First-Ever Intracept™ Procedure at OGH, Advancing Chronic Back Pain Treatment in the Region

Pain Management Physician Performs First-Ever Intracept™ Procedure at OGH, Advancing Chronic Back Pain Treatment in the Region

OLEAN, NY - Olean General Hospital (OGH), a Kaleida Health facility, is proud to announce a major milestone in its commitment to cutting-edge pain management care. Dr. Joseph Staszel, a board-certified specialist in Pain Management and Physical Medicine Rehabilitation, has successfully performed OGH's first-ever Intracept™ Procedure, offering new hope to patients suffering from chronic low back pain.

The procedure, also known as basivertebral nerve ablation (BNA), performed earlier this month, marks a significant step forward in the treatment of chronic low back pain caused by degeneration of the spinal discs. This minimally invasive procedure targets the basivertebral nerve within the vertebrae - bones of the spine - providing relief from chronic pain when other treatments such as physical therapy, medications or injections are ineffective. OGH is one facility in the region offering this minimally invasive, outpatient option.

"Intracept is addressing a previously unmet need in treating chronic low back pain that interventional pain management and spine surgery have been challenged by for years. The understanding of vertebrogenic back pain and the implication of Modic changes, changes in the bones of the spine, on MRIs have changed the way we approach this subset of patients with chronic low back pain," said Dr. Joseph Staszel. "Traditionally, patients with changes to their discs and vertebrae would often undergo lumbar fusion or other invasive spine surgeries which may or may not result in improved pain control and function. Basivertebral nerve ablation addresses the underlying problem, allowing us to target the pain sensing nerve. By blocking the pain signals we may alleviate patients' chronic back pain once and for all."

The Intracept™ Procedure works by targeting and ablating the basivertebral nerve, which transmits pain signals from the vertebral endplates. By addressing the source of the pain, clinical studies have shown that patients experience long-lasting improvement in their back pain and quality of life.

For patients in the Southern Tier and surrounding areas, the availability of this advanced procedure close to home represents a significant reduction in the need to travel long distances for high-quality care.

"We are incredibly proud of Dr. Staszel and our entire surgical team for bringing this innovative treatment option to our community," said Dr. Jennifer Rogers, chief medical officer, OGH. "This aligns perfectly with our mission to provide high-quality, comprehensive care right here locally."

Patients experiencing chronic low back pain who are interested in learning more about the Intracept™ Procedure can contact the Pain Management and Physical Medicine Rehabilitation Department at (716) 701-1707 or visit www.brmc-ogh.org for more information. Dr. Staszel is accepting new patients at 2666 West State Street, Olean, NY and Bradford Regional Medical Center located at 116 Interstate Parkway, Suite 32, Bradford, PA.