Intrathecal Pain Pump

Precision Internal Medication Delivery for Chronic Pain

For patients suffering from severe, chronic pain that has become resistant to oral medications or traditional therapies, the Intrathecal Pain Pump (also known as a “Pain Pump”) offers a life-changing alternative. By delivering medication directly into the spinal fluid, this advanced medical implant provides superior pain control with a fraction of the dosage required by oral pills, significantly reducing systemic side effects.

How the Pain Pump Works

Unlike oral medications that must travel through your digestive system and bloodstream, the pain pump bypasses these barriers.

• The Pump: A small, round device is surgically implanted just under the skin of the abdomen.

• The Catheter: A thin, flexible tube (catheter) connects the pump to the intrathecal space (the area surrounding the spinal cord).

• Direct Delivery: The pump is programmed to deliver a precise, continuous amount of medication directly to the pain receptors in the spinal cord.

Why Choose a Pain Pump?

Because the medication goes directly to the source of the pain signals, it is incredibly efficient.

• 99% Less Medication: Patients often require only 1/100th of the dose they took orally to achieve the same or better pain relief.

• Fewer Side Effects: Since the medication doesn’t circulate through the entire body, patients experience significantly less nausea, drowsiness, and “brain fog” compared to oral opioids.

• Automated & Consistent: You no longer need to remember a pill schedule; the pump provides steady, around-the-clock relief.

• Refillable & Programmable: Our specialists refill the pump every 1–3 months through a simple injection in the office. The dosage can be adjusted wirelessly as your needs change.

Are You a Candidate?

The Intrathecal Pain Pump is typically considered for patients who have “failed” conservative treatments. It is highly effective for:

• Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: Persistent pain following one or more spinal surgeries.

• Chronic Cancer Pain: Managing severe pain related to oncology treatments.

• Arachnoiditis: Inflammation of the protective membranes of the spinal nerves.

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Severe, localized nerve pain.

The Trial Process: Test Your Relief

Before the permanent implant, Allevia performs a Pain Pump Trial.

1. A temporary catheter is placed to deliver medication for a few days.

2. You monitor your pain levels and activity during this period.

3. If you experience a significant improvement in quality of life, we move forward with the permanent, minimally invasive implant.