Intrathecal Pumps for Chronic, Non-Responsive Pain
Intrathecal pumps are a powerful solution for some patients with severe pain that doesn’t respond to other interventions or medications. By delivering pain relief directly into the spinal fluid, this treatment can be effective where others are not.
At Renew Pain Solutions, we’re passionate about finding the most effective solutions to our patients’ pain. Where other, less invasive treatments don’t deliver the relief patients need, our experienced physicians may recommend an intrathecal pump procedure for lasting, effective pain relief.
What Is an Intrathecal Pump?
An intrathecal pump is a small surgically implanted device that delivers medicine directly into the spinal cord. The pump sends medicine into the intrathecal space, the gap between the spinal cord and the membranes surrounding it. Delivering medicine directly into this space interrupts pain signals between the spinal cord and brain, lessening or eliminating the sensation of pain. Because of the direct delivery method, intrathecal pumps drastically lower the amount of medicine needed to achieve pain relief compared to pills or injections. The intrathecal pump system includes a pump device that sits in the abdomen and a catheter that wraps around the torso to deliver medication directly to the spinal cord.
Common Conditions Treated with Intrathecal Pumps
Intrathecal pumps provide a solution for several conditions when they don’t respond to conventional and less invasive treatments and medication. These conditions include:
- Back or neck pain
- Post-surgical pain
- Pelvic and abdominal pain
- Pain from cancer treatment
- Pain in the extremities
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Neuropathy pain
If you suffer from any of these and have not gotten enough relief from traditional treatment methods, you may be a candidate for an intrathecal pump. Be aware, however, that the intrathecal pump is a more invasive procedure usually reserved for patients suffering from long-term, significant pain.
What to Expect from the Intrathecal Pump Procedure
Intrathecal pump procedures are performed under general anesthesia. Once you are asleep, your surgeon will make a small incision in your lower back over the spine to insert the catheter. Then, your surgeon will create a tunnel around the torso, feeding the catheter through that tunnel until it reaches the place in the abdomen where the pump will sit. Finally, your surgeon creates a pocket under the skin of the abdomen and places the pump inside, attaching the catheter and securing the pump to the fascia. Most patients are able to return home to recover on the same day as their procedures.
If you are a candidate for an intrathecal pump, we may recommend a trial first. Trials require either sending medication to the area through an external pump and catheter or delivering the medication through a lumbar puncture. Once we determine the medication is working for you, we will schedule the procedure to implant the permanent pump.
What Medications Do Intrathecal Pumps Use?
The medication in the pump will depend on the condition being treated. These are some common medications administered via intrathecal pump:
- Opioid pain medications
- Anesthetics
- Non-opioid pain medications, like clonidine and ziconotide
If you are a candidate for an intrathecal pump, your doctor will discuss medication options with you to choose the best option.
What Are the Benefits of Intrathecal Pumps?
Intrathecal pumps have several benefits over other treatment methods.
- Can provide relief when injections or pills don’t
- Provides effective pain relief with less medication
- Medication does not become diluted by the bloodstream or digestive system
- Allows for more manageable side effects for some conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an intrathecal pump?
An intrathecal pump is a small device implanted under the skin that delivers medication directly into the spinal fluid. This allows for powerful pain relief using much smaller doses than oral medications.
Who is a candidate for an intrathecal pump?
Patients with severe, long‑term pain who have not responded to conservative treatments may be candidates. Your provider will evaluate your condition and determine whether a trial is appropriate.
What conditions can intrathecal pumps treat?
Intrathecal pumps may help with chronic back or neck pain, post‑surgical pain, cancer‑related pain, CRPS, neuropathy, and other severe pain conditions.
Is the procedure painful?
The pump is implanted under general anesthesia, so you will not feel the procedure. Some soreness at the incision sites is normal during recovery.
How long does an intrathecal pump last?
The pump can last several years. It will need periodic refills and occasional maintenance, which your provider will manage during follow‑up visits.
Related Services
At Renew Pain Solutions, we offer a full range of advanced, minimally invasive treatments for chronic pain. Because every patient’s pain is different, the most effective therapy depends on the source, severity, and duration of your symptoms. Explore the related services below, or schedule a consultation and our team will help you determine which treatment — or combination of treatments — is right for you.
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Get Relief With Advanced Pain Management with Renew Pain Solutions
If chronic pain is limiting your daily life and conservative treatments have not provided relief, an intrathecal pump may be an effective next step. Renew Pain Solutions offers advanced, targeted therapies designed to reduce pain and improve function with fewer medication side effects. Schedule a consultation today to learn whether intrathecal pump therapy is right for you.