By Brooke Strickland and Dr. Andrew Cash
A pain pump is a way to deliver medication directly to your spinal cord. It is a small metal device that surgically fixed under the skin in your abdominal area and has a catheter that gives regulated doses of medication to your spinal cord. When the device’s reservoir is empty, a doctor or nurse will refill the pump by inserting a needle through the skin. The procedure is also reversible, meaning that the pain pump can be removed at any time if results are not as optimal as expected.
How do I know if I need a pain pump?
A pain pump is often used to treat individuals living with cancer pain, failed back syndrome, cerebral palsy, and a variety of other back issues. This type of treatment option is for individuals that have tried other traditional methods of pain management and symptoms continue to be long-term and debilitating. The goal of using the pain pump is to help reduce your intake of medications taken by mouth. In turn, you will get better pain control through smaller doses of medications via the pain pump.
In order to determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure means you must discuss in detail, your medical condition and situation with your doctor. Your doctor will determine if you would benefit from the pump and decide in which location the pump should be inserted. Deciding to undergo surgery is a big decision and one that needs to be considered in great detail.
For more information on this condition, contact Dr. Cash at Desert Institute of Spine Care for an appointment at: http://www.disclv.com.
You can also view Dr. Cash's Verified Reviews® here or his personal page at www.andrew-cash-md.com.