Intrathecal Pain Pump Specialist

What is an intrathecal pain pump?

An intrathecal pain pump is a small, implantable device that sends small doses of pain medication to the intrathecal space in your spine to disrupt pain signals. The intrathecal space is the fluid-filled space around your spinal cord. It cushions, lubricates, and protects the nerves leading to your brain.

An intrathecal pain pump is often an effective treatment for pain because it delivers the medication directly to the source of your discomfort. This reduces the amount of pain medicine needed to manage your pain — in many cases, you need just 1/300 of the amount of a medication you’d take orally to achieve the same level of pain relief.

What conditions improve with an intrathecal pain pump?

The team of pain management experts at International Spine Pain & Performance Center may suggest an intrathecal pain pump to relieve a number of painful conditions, including:

• Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS)
• Cancer pain
• Peripheral nerve injury
• Arachnoiditis
• Cerebral palsy
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Stroke
• Spinal cord and brain injuries

The doctors at ISPP Center often suggest an intrathecal pain pump when other conservative treatments have failed and additional surgery isn’t likely to be effective.

What should I expect during intrathecal pain pump implantation?

The pump consists of a pump and a thin catheter that’s placed in your intrathecal space. Your doctor begins the implantation surgery by making an incision in your back to reach your spine. They put the catheter in your intrathecal space and secure it with sutures. Then, they run an extension to the pump.

Your doctor creates a pocket for your pump between your skin and muscles on the side of your abdomen, near your waist. They attach the catheter to your pump and secure the device to your fascia. Finally, the doctor closes your incisions.

Your doctor provides intravenous (IV) sedation during your implantation operation. When your procedure is complete, you recover under observation. In most cases, you can go home the same day.

Am I a good candidate for an intrathecal pain pump?

The doctors at ISPP Center perform comprehensive exams and diagnostic tests to determine your eligibility for an intrathecal pain pump. They also provide the pump on a trial basis for up to a week to test the treatment and see if it effectively relieves your pain.

Call International Spine Pain & Performance Center or schedule an appointment online today to find out if an intrathecal pain pump is right for you.