A device implanted in the body that delivers very small quantities of pain medication, directly to the fluid around the spinal cord. 

The dose of the medications delivered through the pump are very low , often less than 1% of what the oral dose of the same medication would be.

Pain pumps may be beneficial in patients with:

• Chronic severe pain
• Chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
• Failed back surgery syndrome (continued chronic pain after surgery)
• Cancer-related pain
• Arachnoiditis
• Others

Pain pumps can also help with spasticity that often occurs in patients with:

• Cerebral palsy (CP)
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Stroke

“Patient social support systems, distance to a health care facility, availability of reliable transportation, and insurance coverage are also factors to consider in patients with chronic pain who may receive intrathecal medication therapy.”

Source: Intrathecal pain management: a team-based approach

When you get your pump implanted, you may choose to go to your doctor’s office for your intrathecal pump medication refills.

However, patients with more serious medical conditions and physical limitations may benefit by using services that would help with intrathecal pump pain management in their home. Your doctor can determine if that would be an option for you.