Effective Pain Treatments Near Phoenix
Intrathecal Pain Pump
Intrathecal pump therapy, also known as spinal drug delivery, is a medical treatment used to effectively manage cancer pain, chronic pain or severe spasticity. It involves the implantation of a small chamber called an intrathecal pump, which delivers medication directly into the space around the spinal cord through a small, tunneled catheter. This surgery is performed only after a successful intrathecal trial of the injected medication.
During the procedure, the pump is placed under the skin, typically in the buttock or abdomen, and the catheter is inserted into the intrathecal space of the spinal canal. The pump is programmed to deliver a precise amount of medication, such as opioids or muscle relaxants, directly to the spinal cord, bypassing the digestive system and providing targeted pain relief or spasticity control.
Intrathecal pump therapy offers several advantages including the ability to deliver lower doses of medication compared to oral or systemic administration, which can reduce side effects. It also provides a more consistent and continuous level of pain relief or spasticity control compared with oral administration.
After the implantation, the pump can be refilled by a healthcare provider on an outpatient basis, typically every few months. The dosage and medication type can be adjusted to optimize pain management or spasticity control. Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor the effectiveness of the therapy and make any necessary adjustments. It is important to discuss the potential benefits, risks, and expectations of intrathecal pump therapy with your healthcare provider to determine if it is a suitable treatment option for your specific condition.
During the procedure, the pump is placed under the skin, typically in the buttock or abdomen, and the catheter is inserted into the intrathecal space of the spinal canal. The pump is programmed to deliver a precise amount of medication, such as opioids or muscle relaxants, directly to the spinal cord, bypassing the digestive system and providing targeted pain relief or spasticity control.
Intrathecal pump therapy offers several advantages including the ability to deliver lower doses of medication compared to oral or systemic administration, which can reduce side effects. It also provides a more consistent and continuous level of pain relief or spasticity control compared with oral administration.
After the implantation, the pump can be refilled by a healthcare provider on an outpatient basis, typically every few months. The dosage and medication type can be adjusted to optimize pain management or spasticity control. Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor the effectiveness of the therapy and make any necessary adjustments. It is important to discuss the potential benefits, risks, and expectations of intrathecal pump therapy with your healthcare provider to determine if it is a suitable treatment option for your specific condition.