/assets/production/practices/1642656bbf28ec6dcb5a945a17190415b9112065/images/2755407.jpg)
What is a pain pump?
A pain pump (intrathecal pain pump) is a small device that automatically delivers pain medication directly into the spinal cord.
Delivering medication into the spine results in stronger, faster, and more effective pain relief compared to taking oral medicine or getting an injection. As a result, a pain pump gives you significant pain relief using a much smaller dose.
What conditions are treated with a pain pump?
Pain pumps may relieve severe pain that doesn’t respond to conventional medical care. Health conditions that may benefit from a pain pump include:
- Cancer pain
- Chronic neck or back pain
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Failed back surgery syndrome
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Postherpetic neuralgia (severe pain caused by shingles)
- Neuropathy (damaged nerves)
- Spasticity
The pain caused by spasticity (prolonged muscle contractions) may improve by delivering a muscle relaxant through the pain pump.
Who qualifies for a pain pump?
You may qualify for a pain pump if:
- All other treatments fail to ease your pain
- You depend on medication for pain relief
- You struggle with chronic, debilitating pain
- You are medically cleared to have the device implanted
- You respond well to trial medication
In addition to meeting these qualifications, your provider performs a physical exam and imaging tests to ensure you’re a good candidate. Then, they explain the treatment and determine if you want to proceed with a trial.
What is a pain pump trial?
During the trial period, you receive injections of the medication to monitor your response and be sure it relieves your pain. Your trial medication may be delivered through:
- One dose (injected into the intrathecal space)
- Multiple doses (delivered with injections or through a catheter placed in the intrathecal space)
- Continuous trial (inserting a catheter and using the pump but keeping it outside your body)
If the trial is successful and your pain improves, you can choose to move forward with the pain pump implantation.
How is a pain pump implanted?
Your provider uses a small incision to place the catheter, delivering the medication into the spine’s intrathecal space. They implant the pump under your skin on the side of your abdomen and connect the catheter to the pump.
The pump has a reservoir that holds the medicine, and it’s programmed to release a specific dose at certain intervals.
Call the Centers of Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine or book an appointment online today to learn if you qualify for a pain pump.