Orthopedic Institute Announces James T. Brunz, MD, Named an Intracept® Center of Excellence for Vertebrogenic Low Back Pain Treatment
Orthopedic Institute (OI) today announced that James T. Brunz, MD, an interventional spine and pain physician, has been designated an Intracept® Center of Excellence physician. This distinction is awarded to a select group of physicians nationwide who demonstrate advanced expertise, clinical experience, and a commitment to best practices in the treatment of chronic vertebrogenic low back pain.
The designation recognizes Dr. Brunz’s leadership in offering the Intracept® Procedure, a minimally invasive, FDA-cleared treatment that targets the basivertebral nerve—an established source of chronic vertebrogenic low back pain identified by specific MRI findings known as Modic Type 1 or Type 2 changes.
“Chronic low back pain is not a single condition, and too many patients spend years cycling through treatments that don’t address the true source of their pain,” said Dr. Brunz. “The Intracept Procedure allows us to precisely target vertebrogenic pain in appropriately selected patients and provide meaningful, durable relief—often after other options have failed. Being recognized as a Center of Excellence reflects both the strength of the clinical evidence behind the procedure and our commitment to careful patient selection and outcomes.”
Vertebrogenic pain originates from the vertebral endplates of the spine and is transmitted by the basivertebral nerve. Research over the past decade has established this pathway as a distinct and treatable cause of chronic low back pain. The Intracept Procedure uses targeted radiofrequency energy to ablate the basivertebral nerve, interrupting pain signals without affecting spinal stability, discs, or surrounding structures.
Clinical studies, including long-term randomized controlled trials, have demonstrated significant and durable improvements in pain, function, and quality of life for appropriately selected patients undergoing the Intracept Procedure.
“Dr. Brunz exemplifies the clinical rigor, experience, and patient-centered approach that define an Intracept Center of Excellence,” said Zach Merwin, Intracept Manager at Boston Scientific, developer of the Intracept Procedure. “His work reflects a deep understanding of vertebrogenic pain and a commitment to applying evidence-based innovation to help patients regain function and quality of life.”
A fellowship-trained interventional spine physician with more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Brunz has treated thousands of patients with complex spine and pain conditions. At Orthopedic Institute, he collaborates closely with orthopedic surgeons, rehabilitation specialists, and advanced practice providers to ensure comprehensive evaluation and coordinated care.
Patients considered for the Intracept Procedure typically have:
Chronic low back pain lasting six months or longer
MRI evidence of Modic Type 1 or Type 2 changes
Limited improvement with conservative treatments
No spinal instability requiring surgical correction
The Intracept Procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and typically lasts 60–90 minutes, with patients returning home the same day.
Dr. Brunz sees patients in Brookings, Mitchell, and Tea.