Intrathecal Pain Pump Implant

If other pain-reducing treatments haven’t eased ongoing discomfort, an intrathecal pain pump implant may help. At The Beloved Medicine Clinic, Pain and Spine in Dallas, Texas, pain management specialists John Melek, MD, MSC, and the team offer this option to provide long-lasting relief for patients struggling with chronic pain. Schedule an appointment by phone or request one online today to learn if an intrathecal pain pump implant is right for you.

What is an intrathecal pain pump implant?

An intrathecal pain pump implant, also called an implanted intrathecal drug delivery system (IDDS), is an implantable device that delivers medicine directly to the fluid surrounding your spinal cord. It consists of a small pump and a catheter. 

You may be able to use a handheld device to administer additional amounts of medication when necessary (within the limits set by your provider).

What are the benefits of an intrathecal pain pump implant?

Intrathecal pain pump implants offer new hope to people experiencing ongoing pain or muscle stiffening who can’t tolerate high doses of medications. 

Because the pain pump medicine is delivered into your spinal cord, lower doses can be used compared with medications taken through a vein or by mouth. 

Additional benefits include: 

• Fewer medication side effects 
• Reduced muscle spasticity 
• Less muscle stiffness 
• Effective pain control 

Pain pumps can offer long-lasting relief and a better quality of life. 

Is an intrathecal pain pump implant right for me?

The Beloved Medicine Clinic, Pain and Spine team discusses your medical history and symptoms, completes a physical exam, and reviews your previous pain management treatments. You might also complete lab work and heart-function tests.

Your pain specialist then determines if an intrathecal pain pump implant is right for you. Conditions treated with an intrathecal pain pump implant might include:

• Cancer pain
• Spasticity from multiple sclerosis, stroke, brain/spinal cord injury, or cerebral palsy
• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Pelvic pain
• Abdominal pain
• Pain in the limbs
• Complex regional pain syndrome
• Compression fractures
• Disc problems
• Spinal stenosis
• Spondylosis 
• Lingering post-surgical pain
• Nerve discomfort

You may be a candidate for a pain pump if you have severe pain, muscle spasms, or stiffness that haven’t responded well to other treatments. 

What can I expect during intrathecal pain pump implantation?

You can receive a trial pain pump implant to ensure the treatment provides relief. The trial helps your pain specialist find the most effective medication and pain pump placement.

You’ll receive anesthesia to eliminate any pain and keep you asleep. Your doctor cleans your lower back and abdomen, makes a small incision, and inserts a thin catheter into the intrathecal space. 

They create a second incision to create a pocket for the pump and place an extender catheter to connect the pump to the spinal catheter. The procedures usually last 2-3 hours.

What happens next?

You can usually go home the same day as pain pump implantation, but you may notice mild bruising, swelling, or discomfort at the incision site. Follow up with your provider to evaluate healing and treatment effectiveness. 

Schedule an appointment at The Beloved Medicine Clinic, Pain and Spine by phone or request one online today to learn if an intrathecal pain pump implant is right for you.