logo-sinw-white1
  • Home
  • Treatments
    • Minimally Invasive Laser Spinal Surgery
      • Endoscopically Assisted Spinal Decompression
      • Lumbar Interbody Fusion and Facet Fixation
      • Endoscopic Assisted Nerve Excision
      • Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion Surgery
      • Interlamina Implant
      • MIS FUSION SYSTEM
      • Vertebral Body Augmentation: Vertebroplasty, Kyphoplasty
    • Regenerative Medicine
    • Stem Cell Injection
    • Interventional Spinal Injection Techniques
    • Spinal Cord Stimulators
    • Non-Narcotic Treatment for Peripheral Nerve Pain
    • Pain Pump
    • Sports Medicine Clinic
    • Disc Replacement
  • About Us
    • Doctors
      • SOLOMON KAMSON, MD, PHD
      • DAVID HOU, MD
      • ALLAN KHANH DOAN, DPM
      • TONY PHAM, DO
      • YANQUN BU, ARNP
      • RICHARD ROONEY, MD, FACS
      • YELENA VERBITSKAYA, PA-C
    • Facilities
    • Training
      • UW School of Medicine
      • World Institute of Pain
    • Service Areas
      • Bellevue
      • Bellingham
      • Bothell
      • Everett
      • Gig Harbor
      • Kent
      • Kirkland
      • Seattle
      • Tacoma
      • Woodinville
    • Blog
    • Video FAQ
    • Contact Us
  • Research
    • Awards, Publications, and Presentations
    • Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression Outcomes
    • Research: Minimally Invasive Lumbar Fusion and Decompression Outcomes
  • Patient Portal
  • Disc Replacement
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
CALL NOW (206) 496-0630

When Will a Spinal Pump Help?

April 16, 2012Solomon KamsonArticles, Back Pain, NewsNo Comments

Back pain can fall anywhere in the range from uncomfortable to downright debilitating. The type of pain management used will vary depending on the level of pain and the reason for the back pain. One pain management option is known as the spinal pain pump or an intrathecal pump implant.

What is a Spinal Pump?

A spinal pain pump is a special medical device that dispenses pain medication directly to the spinal cord. The pump is implanted under the abdominal skin and a small catheter runs from the pump to the affected area on the spine. The pump will dispense specialized medication into the spinal fluid to relieve spinal and back pain. Since the pump can deliver the medication right to the affected area, lower doses of medication are needed and the results tend to be better than oral medication. Lower doses also mean fewer side effects.

When is an Intrathecal Pump Implant Used?

A spinal pump is typically used only on patients with severe, chronic pain. It is a good alternative to oral medications for patients that are not receiving adequate pain relief from their current medications or that are experiencing debilitating or extreme side effects from oral medications. Oral treatments spread a medication throughout the entire body, but the spinal pump allows concentrated medication to be delivered precisely to problem areas for a lower dose and decreased side effects.

What Types of Pain Medications are used with a Spinal Pain Pump?

Spinal pain pumps can be used with a variety of different pain relief options making this treatment option a viable choice for many patients. They can be used with local anesthetics, opiods like morphine, adrenergic agonists and other pain relief options. If this treatment option is right for you, your doctors will carefully create a pain relief regiment for your specific problems and needs. It may take time to find the most appropriate combination of treatments and medication for your situation. Most spinal pain pumps will need to be refilled with medication every one to six months. The implant can remain in place for several years until the batteries wear out and the pump needs replacing.

How Do I Determine If This Treatment is Right for Me?

Only a doctor can determine if a spinal pain pump can help you with your back pain. Schedule an appointment and come in to our offices. As with any medical procedure there are risks associated with this treatment option. Your doctor can explain the risks and benefits of this treatment option. We would love to discuss your specific problems and find treatment options that will work for you.

An intrathecal pump implant allows pain medication to be delivered directly to your spinal cord allowing for better pain relief and fewer side effects. It is one of many back pain relief options available to our patients.

 

Tags: Herniated disc, interventional spinal injection techniques, intrathecal pump, Spinal Chord, Spinal decompression, spinal pain pump, spine surgery

Related Articles

Making the Most of Your Recovery Period- Tips for Helping Your Body to Heal

August 8, 2012Solomon Kamson

A Full, Great Life: Eric Smith

October 30, 2013Solomon Kamson

10 Facts About The Epidural

June 1, 2012Solomon Kamson

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Receive FREE MRI Review

Diagnose My Pain

Schedule An Appointment

Recent Posts

  • 6 Pilates Exercises for Back Pain Relief and Prevention
  • Back Pain and Backpacks
  • 7 Surprising Causes of Back Pain
  • Can Your Family History Predict Low Back Pain?
  • Your Posture’s Affect on Your Back Pain
EPP_Award joint-commission-seal_HiRes MRIsealhipaa_blue
  • Minimally Invasive Laser Spinal Surgery
    • Endoscopically Assisted Spinal Decompression
    • Lumbar Interbody Fusion and Facet Fixation
    • Endoscopic Assisted Nerve Excision
    • Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion Surgery
    • Interlamina Implant
    • MIS Fusion System
    • Vertebral Body Augmentation: Vertebroplasty, Kyphoplasty
  • Treatments
    • Regenerative Medicine
    • Interventional Spinal Injection Techniques
    • Spinal Cord Stimulators
    • Non-Narcotic Treatment for Peripheral Nerve Pain
    • Pain Pump
    • Sports Medicine Clinic
    • Disc Replacement
  • Additional Resources
    • About Us
    • Doctors
    • Facilities
    • Training
    • Recent Blog Posts
    • Video FAQ
    • Contact Us

Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Contact Us |

COPYRIGHT © SPINE INSTITUTE NORTHWEST