How Does Intrathecal Pump Work Incase Of Chronic Backache?

Posted on Fri, 21 Mar 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 21 Mar 2014 Answered on

Wed, 16 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I HAVE HAD CHRONIC BACK PAIN FOR TEN YEARS. I TAKE TREMENDOUS AMOUTS OF OPIOD MEDICATIONS AND ALSO GET STERIOD INJECTIONS. MY DOCTOR JUST SUGGESTED THE INTRATHECAL PUMP. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SOMETHING LIKE THIS? AND DOES IT HAVE A LARGE SUCCESS RATE. COULD YOU ALSO EXPLAIN HOW IT WORKS THANK YOU

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Yes it is better way of controlling chronic pain Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query. An intrathecal pump delivers medication directly to special areas in the space containing the spinal fluid (intrathecal space). The pump is filled with a drug that is released at a set rate, through the catheter, into the intrathecal space. Because of this, you need much lower doses of medication as the drug does not have to travel around the body first. This usually results in greater benefits and decreased side effects. It is a better way to control your symptoms than your current drugs and may mean you can become more active, return to more of your everyday activities and enjoy better sleep. It has a better success rate than taking daily medicines. I hope this answers your query. In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out. Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. Praveen Tayal. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar