Implantable Therapies
Intrathecal Pain Pump
An implanted pump delivering medication directly to the spinal fluid, achieving relief at a fraction of the oral dose.
Time in the office
A trial dose is given first in the office or a brief hospital stay, and if effective, implantation is an outpatient or short overnight surgical procedure; ongoing refill visits typically take about 30 minutes and are needed every one to six months depending on the dose.
When relief starts
Trial doses can show a meaningful effect within hours, and once the permanent pump is implanted and titrated over the following weeks, most patients settle into a stable dose that provides consistent relief between scheduled refill visits.
What it is
An intrathecal drug delivery system, or pain pump, is a small implanted reservoir connected to a catheter in the spinal fluid space.
Because medication reaches the spinal cord receptors directly, the required dose is dramatically smaller than an oral equivalent — which usually means far fewer systemic side effects.
Pumps are used for severe cancer pain, severe chronic non-cancer pain, and spasticity.
What to expect, step by step
A trial is performed first to verify that the medication provides meaningful relief.
Implantation is an outpatient surgical procedure; the pump sits under the skin of the abdomen.
Refills are done in the office through the skin, typically every one to six months depending on the dose.
Recovery
Expect activity restrictions for a few weeks while the incisions heal and the catheter anchors.
Dosing is titrated gradually over the following weeks to find the effective level.
Typical results
Patients frequently report better pain control with markedly reduced sedation, nausea and constipation.
For cancer pain, pumps can restore alertness and time with family that oral regimens cost.
Programming can be adjusted at any visit as needs change.
Risks and considerations
Serious complications are uncommon, but no procedure is risk-free and you deserve the honest version before you consent.
- Standard surgical risks including bleeding, infection or spinal fluid leak at the time of implantation
- Catheter kinking, migration or blockage, which can interrupt medication delivery
- Pump-related complications such as a stalled motor, requiring device replacement, usually after several years
- Medication side effects, including withdrawal symptoms if a refill is delayed or missed
- Rare but serious risk of a granuloma, an inflammatory mass at the catheter tip, which is why patients are monitored over time
Common questions
How often do I need to come in for refills?
Why would I choose a pump over oral medication?
Is the trial dose the same as a permanent pump?
How long does the pump last before it needs to be replaced?
Conditions this treats
Intrathecal Pain Pump is most often recommended for the conditions below, once the source of pain has been confirmed.
- Cancer PainPain from tumor, treatment or nerve involvement, managed alongside the patient's oncology team.
- Chronic PainPain persisting beyond expected healing, requiring a coordinated, multi-modal long-term plan.
- Post Operative InjuriesPersistent pain after spine or joint surgery, including scar-related nerve irritation and adjacent-segment pain.
- Complex Regional Pain SyndromeA disproportionate pain response after injury, with skin, temperature and swelling changes in a limb.
- NeuropathyNerve damage causing burning, numbness and tingling, most often in the feet, legs and hands.
Ready to get a real diagnosis?
Most patients are seen within two weeks. Call our office or send a request and our staff will help you choose the most convenient location.