Pain Pumps

Pain Pumps in Valencia, CA and Lancaster, CA

An intrathecal pump or “pain pump” is a device that delivers small quantities of pain medication such as morphine or baclofen, directly into the spinal fluid. The system uses a small pump that is surgically placed under the skin of your abdomen. The pump delivers medication through a catheter to the area around your spinal cord. The pain medication is delivered directly to the pain processing area and therefore does not depend upon the oral-gastrointestinal system to metabolize pain medications. When pain medication is delivered in small doses, the side effects that are usually experienced in larger oral doses are minimized and pain symptoms can be controlled with a much smaller dose of medication.

Below you'll find valuable information on pain pumps. For more information on pain pumps please contact us in Valencia, CA (661) 705-5100 or Lancaster, CA (661) 726-5005.

Indications for Intrathecal Pumps

Intrathecal Pain Pump delivery can decrease the pain conditions associated with, but not limited to:
• Failed back surgery
• Cancer
• Arachnoiditis
• Chronic Pancreatitis
• Chronic Nerve Pain (e.g. Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, Causalgia)
• Patients dependent on pain medications

It can also reduce spasticity, muscle rigidity in patients with:
• Cerebral Palsy
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Stroke
• Brain Injury
• Spinal Cord Injury
Pain Pump Trial

Before a permanent pump can be implanted, the patient undergoes a trial to see if the intrathecal delivery of medication decreases the level of pain or spasticity. A single injection of the medication is delivered through a lumbar puncture into the intrathecal area, under fluoroscopic X-ray guidance. This is performed in an outpatient surgical center and takes a few minutes. After the injection, the patient is evaluated to determine if pain or spasticity is diminished or relieved. If the patient responds positively to the medication given, without overt side effects, then the trial is considered successful. After a successful trial, the patient can then be scheduled for permanent pump placement surgery.
Contradictions For Intrathecal Pumps

Major contraindications are the following:
• Patients with certain psychological problems
• A medical condition that keeps a patient from undergoing surgery (e.g. chronic infection)
• Allergy to any of the drugs used in the pump
• Inability to keep regular follow-up appointments with the specialist for re-evaluation, pump refills, adjustments
Risks and Side Effects of Intrathecal Pumps

As with all surgeries, risks include infection, bleeding, and pain at surgical site. The catheter could move, tear or become blocked. Inflammatory masses that develop at the tip of the catheter, although rare, have been reported to occur in some cases. The pump could stop working because of pump part failure or the need for a battery change. Accumulation of fluid, or spinal fluid leak can occur around the pump causing clear watery discharge from the incisions. Side effects from the oral drugs for pain or spasticity can potentially occur when delivered intrathecally as well. This includes but is not limited to respiratory depression, headache, twitching, muscle spasm, urinary retention, constipation, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, anxiety, depression, edema.
Indications For Removal

Each case can vary, but indications for pump removal include:
• Infection
• Failure to relieve pain
• Patient misuse

Patient Testimonials:

I was suffering greatly for the last 14 years. I was with another pain doctor and we made no headway, no improvement. Everyone is afraid of not just losing their job in the pain management biz but being charged as a drug dealer by the government. Dr Nasser and Dr Pena at AVORS saved me. I had a pain pump installed and now am beginning my new life. Really and truly. I was sitting around the house wasting away until I found AVORS. You don't have to suffer. Yes I am a real person and a real pain patient.

--AVORS Patient Rich C.