Orthopedic Institute Physician Highlights Limited Access to Advanced Vertebrogenic Pain Care Across the Upper Midwest
Sioux Falls interventional spine physician Dr. James T. Brunz is one of approximately 15 Intracept Center of Excellence physicians across South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska.
TEA, S.D., Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Patients across much of the Upper Midwest continue to face limited regional access to physicians recognized through the Intracept Center of Excellence program for the treatment of vertebrogenic low back pain.
A review of publicly available Intracept physician locator data identified approximately 15 Intracept Center of Excellence physicians across the five-state region: seven in Minnesota, four in Nebraska, one in South Dakota, two in North Dakota, and one in Iowa. Dr. Brunz is the only Center of Excellence physician in South Dakota and one of three across the Dakotas.
Dr. Brunz recently surpassed 200 Intracept procedures, a meaningful experience milestone in the treatment of vertebrogenic low back pain.
An accompanying regional map, based on publicly available Intracept physician locator data accessed May 2026, illustrates the limited number of listed Center of Excellence physicians across the Upper Midwest.
Understanding Vertebrogenic Pain
Vertebrogenic pain originates from damage and inflammation within the vertebral endplates of the spine and is transmitted through the basivertebral nerve. Patients with vertebrogenic pain often have chronic low back pain associated with MRI findings known as Modic Type 1 or Type 2 changes.
"The most important step is identifying the correct source of pain," said Dr. James T. Brunz. "Chronic low back pain is not a single condition. Patients with vertebrogenic pain often have specific imaging findings and clinical characteristics that may respond differently than other spine conditions."
Evidence Supporting Basivertebral Nerve Ablation
The Intracept Procedure® is the only FDA-cleared basivertebral nerve ablation treatment for vertebrogenic pain and uses targeted radiofrequency energy to interrupt pain signals transmitted through the basivertebral nerve.
Peer-reviewed studies, including the SMART and INTRACEPT trials, have demonstrated durable improvements in pain, function, and quality of life in appropriately selected patients. Center of Excellence Designation.
"The Intracept Center of Excellence program recognizes physicians who demonstrate meaningful experience, ongoing education, and a commitment to evidence-based vertebrogenic pain care," said Joe Hight, Regional Business Director, Intracept. "Dr. Brunz has developed a strong vertebrogenic pain program in the Upper Midwest centered around careful patient selection, procedural experience, and long-term commitment to patient care."
"Being recognized as an Intracept Center of Excellence reflects our commitment to evidence-based care, careful patient selection, and helping patients understand the source of their chronic back pain," said Dr. Brunz.
About Dr. James T. Brunz
James T. Brunz, MD, is a fellowship trained interventional spine and pain physician at Orthopedic Institute who specializes in evaluating and treating complex spine and pain conditions throughout the Upper Midwest. His clinical focus includes vertebrogenic low back pain, spinal cord stimulation, dorsal root ganglion stimulation, basivertebral nerve ablation, and advanced interventional pain care. He was recognized by St. Jude Medical as a key opinion leader in neuromodulation in 2013 and has continued to serve as a regional clinical resource and consultant in the field. Dr. Brunz is recognized as an Intracept® Center of Excellence physician for the treatment of vertebrogenic low back pain.
About Orthopedic Institute
Founded in 1972, Orthopedic Institute (OI) is an independent physician group specializing in orthopedics, sports medicine, and interventional spine and pain care. With 21 physicians and more than 225 employees, OI serves patients across South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa from its main clinic in Tea, South Dakota, and regional locations. https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/physicians/james-t-brunz-md/
Media Contact:
Helen Kluck
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SOURCE Orthopedic Institute
