Intrathecal Pain Pump

What is Intrathecal Pain Pump?

An intrathecal pain pump is a long-term pain medication delivery system that sends treatment to the spinal cord. 

Who typically needs one?

Patients who could benefit from an intrathecal pain pump for overall pain relief include those with conditions of:

• Arachnoiditis
• Cancer
• Chronic pain
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS)
• Complex regional pain syndrome
• Causalgia

What medications are normally used in a pain pump?

Medications used in a pain pump include:

• Baclofen – for muscle spasms, neuropathic pain, and spasticity.
• Morphine – to treat chronic pain.
• Hydromorphone – a morphine alternative to relieve pain.
• Ziconotide – for severe chronic pain, another morphine alternative.

How Does Intrathecal Pain Pump Work?

The pump implant is surgically placed under the skin in the abdomen and delivers medication through a catheter that is sent directly to the spine, stopping the pain signals being sent to the brain from nerves surrounding the spinal cord. 

The intrathecal pump allows patients to be in control of their symptoms while protecting them from addiction and other negative side effects. 

The pump is programmed by a pain management specialist to release medication over a certain period of time. The physician may change its programming if the needs of the patient change. 

Intrathecal pain pumps may be recommended for patients suffering from failed back surgery syndrome, cancer pain, arachnoiditis, chronic pancreatitis, and more.

Expectations and Recovery

Expect 6-8 weeks to fully recover. There will likely be discomfort and limitations on your movement, but they should resolve fairly quickly.

What are Symptoms Typical of Full-Body Pain?

Whole-body pain ranges from sharp, dull, aching, to stabbing and throbbing pain. Different areas of your body will range in tenderness as well.

Get medical help immediately if you are having trouble breathing, experiencing dizziness, muscle weakness, or stiffness in your neck along with a high fever.

What are the Common Causes of Full-Body Pain?

Underlying conditions and causes of full-body pain include:

• Muscle aches from intense exercise or overuse
• Injury
• Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Viral infections (like the flu or other illnesses)
• Poor circulation or cardiac disorders
• Hypothyroidism
• Painful menstruation
• Lupus or other autoimmune conditions
• Lyme disease
• Stress and anxiety
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Inactivity (either contributing to or caused by pain)
• Certain vitamin deficiencies (like vitamin D)
• Side effects of prescription medications (e.g. statins)
• Genetic mutations
• Physical or emotional traumas
• Nerve damage
• Opioid-induced hyperalgesia
• Other underlying conditions

Other Conservative Treatments for Full-Body Pain

Other procedures used to treat full-body pain symptoms include:

• Nerve Blocks
  • Therapeutic nerve blocks contain local pain medications that can control acute pain.

• Steroid Injections
  • Injections of dexamethasone (a steroid) help reduce pain and inflammation. It can be very effective for cases of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis.

• Neuromodulation
  • Neuromodulation treatments use low-voltage electrical pulses to block pain signals sent to your brain.

Alternative treatments can be utilized to treat plenty of pain symptoms, such as relaxation therapy, breathing techniques, supplements, acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, massage, meditation, and yoga.