Intrathecal pain therapy

Intrathecal pain therapy, also known as pain pump therapy, involves the delivery of small, controlled amounts of pain medication directly into the intrathecal space—an area filled with fluid that surrounds the spinal cord. This therapy delivers pain medication directly to the spinal cord and requires significantly lower doses of medication to provide relief.

Infusion of the medication involves the placement of a pump and a catheter inside the body. The pump automatically delivers a controlled amount of medication through a catheter to the intrathecal space around the spinal cord. The exact dosage, rate and timing prescribed by the doctor are entered into the pump using a programmer—a computer-like device that controls the pump's memory. The programmer communicates with the pump via radio signals.

Infusion of the medication involves the placement of a pump and a catheter inside the body. The pump automatically delivers a controlled amount of medication through a catheter to the intrathecal space around the spinal cord. The exact dosage, rate and timing prescribed by the doctor are entered into the pump using a programmer, a computer-like device that controls the pump's memory.

Before committing to a permanent pump placement, the physician will do a catheter trial to make sure this treatment is suitable. If the trial is successful, the physician will place the pump. The pump is implanted during a surgical procedure, which is usually followed by a brief hospital stay.

After the surgery, the patient should restrict their activity for six to eight weeks to reduce movement of the catheter.