Targeted Drug Delivery for Pain Management
Spinal Pain Pump
Treatment Overview
An intrathecal pain pump delivers medication directly to the spinal cord where it targets the areas causing pain and avoids affecting the brain. This device helps reduce side effects like drowsiness, mental fog and the risk of addiction that can occur with oral or skin patch pain medications while providing effective pain relief. For over 30 years, Nura physicians have successfully used these pumps to help people with severe, chronic pain who haven’t found relief from other treatments.
How the Procedure Works
During the procedure, a small device is implanted under the skin, typically in the abdomen or buttock. This device is connected to a catheter that delivers medication directly to the spinal cord. The pain pump releases precise doses of medication through the catheter, targeting pain receptors for effective pain relief.
Who Benefits from a Spinal Pain Pump
Pain pumps are beneficial for individuals with severe, chronic pain that has not responded well to oral medications or other treatments. Conditions that commonly benefit from a pain pump include:
- Chronic Back Pain: Persistent pain in the back that hasn’t improved with other treatments.
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): A condition characterized by severe pain, typically affecting an arm or leg.
- Cancer Pain: Pain associated with cancer, especially when it is difficult to manage with oral medications.
- Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: Continued pain after spinal surgery that has not been relieved by other methods.
- Neuropathic Pain: Pain caused by nerve damage or dysfunction that doesn’t respond to traditional pain management strategies.
What to Expect
- Trial Procedure: A trial phase is conducted to determine if a pain pump is right for you. During this phase, a temporary catheter is placed in the spinal canal and a small dose of medication is administered to evaluate its effectiveness.
- Implant Procedure: If the trial is successful, you will be scheduled to have a pain pump implanted. Follow-up appointments will adjust device settings and monitor your progress. This therapy is reversible and non-destructive; the device can be turned off or removed if needed.
- Pump Refills: Trained staff perform refills by inserting a needle into the pump refill port through anesthetized skin. Refills are typically needed every 1-3 months, depending on the required medication doses. For convenience, Nura offers a Home Infusion Service for those who prefer refills at home.
Insurance & Billing
Your eligibility for any procedure depends on the benefits outlined by your insurance provider, and our team at Nura will assist you with the authorization process.
Comprehensive Care
At Nura, we seamlessly integrate interventional procedures, physical therapy, psychological support and medications. Research shows that this comprehensive approach is the most effective way to manage chronic pain.
Find Pain Relief
Schedule an appointment with one of our pain specialists by filling out our appointment request form or giving us a call at 763-537-6000.
Explore Conditions Treated with a Spinal Pain Pump:
- Cancer Pain
- Cervical & Thoracic Radiculopathy
- Cervicogenic Headaches (Whiplash)
- Chronic Abdominal Pain
- Chronic Headache Pain
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
- Facet Joint Syndrome
- Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
- Herniated Disc
- Occipital Neuralgia
- Pelvic Pain
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Phantom Limb Pain
- Postherpetic Neuralgia (Shingles)
- Sacroiliac Joint Pain
- Sciatica (Lumbar Radiculopathy)
- Spinal Stenosis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Trigeminal Neuralgia & Atypical Facial Pain
- Vertebrogenic Pain
