Am I a Good Candidate For an Intrathecal Pain Pump?

Chronic pain can turn even the simplest daily tasks into overwhelming challenges. If you’ve been managing severe pain for an extended period, you know just how much it can affect your quality of life. 

At Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists (IPRMS) in Arlington, Virginia, board-certified pain management experts Dr. John Huffman and Dr. Talal Ghazal offer advanced solutions to help patients find relief when other treatments have fallen short.

Whether you’re dealing with failed spine surgery syndrome, chronic back or neck pain, or complex regional pain syndrome, an intrathecal pain pump could be the answer. 

Keep reading to learn more about how an intrathecal pain pump works and whether it might be the right choice for your pain management needs.

What is an intrathecal pain pump?

An intrathecal pain pump is a small device that delivers medication directly to the fluid around your spinal cord, targeting the area where pain signals travel. 

Because it sends medicine straight to the source, the pump allows you to use lower doses of pain medication while still getting powerful relief. This reduces the risk of side effects often seen with pain pills, like nausea or drowsiness.

The pump is placed under your skin through a minimally invasive procedure. A small tube, called a catheter, is also inserted to carry the medication to your spine. 

It’s an option for people who have tried other treatments without success and need a more direct approach to managing their pain.  

What are the benefits of an intrathecal pain pump?

One of the biggest advantages of an intrathecal pain pump is that it delivers medication directly to your spinal cord, which means you don’t need as much medication as you would if you were taking pills. 

This direct approach not only reduces the risk of side effects but also provides more consistent pain relief throughout the day.

Another benefit is that the pump offers continuous pain management, so you won’t have to deal with the ups and downs that can come with oral medications. 

For many people with chronic pain, this steady relief is a game-changer in their everyday life.

Who can get an intrathecal pain pump?

The intrathecal pain pump is typically recommended for people who suffer from certain types of chronic pain that are difficult to manage with regular medications. 

While it’s best to talk to a pain specialist, some of the most common conditions that can benefit from this treatment include:

• Chronic back or neck pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments
• Post-surgery pain that lingers long after the procedure
• Failed back surgery syndrome where pain persists despite surgical interventions
• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a painful condition that usually affects an arm or a leg
• Nerve pain, such as sciatica or radiculopathy
• Phantom limb pain after an amputation
• Chronic abdominal or pelvic pain

If you're dealing with pain from one of these conditions and traditional treatments haven’t worked, an intrathecal pain pump could offer a long-lasting solution.

How does the procedure work?

Getting an intrathecal pain pump involves a minimally invasive procedure. 

Your IPRMS provider makes two small incisions: one to place the pump under your skin, usually near your abdomen, and another in your back to insert the catheter near your spine. The entire process takes around 1-2 hours, and most patients go home the same day. 

Recovery usually involves some rest, and your IPRMS provider gives you clear instructions on how to take care of yourself after the procedure, like avoiding heavy lifting or bending for a while.

Am I a candidate for this treatment?

If chronic pain is affecting your quality of life, an intrathecal pain pump could be a solution worth exploring. 

At Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists, the board-certified team is dedicated to helping you find lasting relief and get back to the activities you love. 

Before you can be considered for an intrathecal pain pump, your IPRMS provider reviews your medical history, conducts a thorough physical exam, and talks with you about your pain management goals. 

They may also suggest a medication trial, where you temporarily receive the same type of medication used in the pump. This trial helps determine how well you respond to the treatment and whether it’s a good fit for your pain. 

If the trial goes well and the pump is recommended, your IPRMS provider works with you to plan the procedure and set up a recovery plan that fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re interested in learning more about this advanced treatment or exploring other options, the IPRMS team can help. 

Schedule a consultation online or over the phone with Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists in Northern Virginia to learn more about your options.