Basivertebral Nerve Ablation for Chronic Back Pain

Introduction to Basivertebral Nerve Ablation

• The British Medical Journal recommends basivertebral nerve ablation for middle-aged adults with chronic back pain (≥3 months duration) who meet specific diagnostic criteria, based on the highest quality 2025 guideline evidence 1
• The British Medical Journal provides a strong recommendation IN FAVOR of basivertebral nerve ablation for chronic back pain, distinguishing it from other interventional procedures that received strong recommendations AGAINST 1

Evidence-Based Recommendations

• The British Medical Journal explicitly states a strong recommendation FOR sacroiliac joint denervation/ablation for sacroiliac joint dysfunction pain 1
• The British Medical Journal explicitly states a strong recommendation FOR basivertebral nerve ablation for chronic back pain 1
• The British Medical Journal explicitly states a strong recommendation AGAINST facet joint radiofrequency ablation, epidural injections, and intramuscular injections for chronic axial spine pain 1, 2

Contraindications and Safety Profile

• Contraindications for basivertebral nerve ablation include unwilling patients, active infection, coagulopathy, very short life expectancy, or lack of technical expertise 3, 4