Should I Consider Intrathecal Drug Therapy?

If chronic pain has taken over your life and traditional treatments haven't provided relief, intrathecal drug therapy might be the solution you're searching for. 

At ReGen Pain Management, Dr. Jonathan Koning specializes in cutting-edge pain management solutions, such as intrathecal drug therapy, to help patients from Plano and surrounding areas reclaim their pain-free lives.

Here, he explains intrathecal drug therapy, the conditions it treats, and who might be an ideal candidate for this innovative approach.

What is intrathecal drug therapy?

Intrathecal drug therapy is the direct delivery of medications into the fluid surrounding your spinal cord via a surgically implanted pump. 

This efficient approach enables the medication to directly impact the pain receptors in your spinal cord, providing better pain relief with lower doses compared to oral medications. Reduced doses mean fewer medication side effects, such as nausea, fatigue, or constipation.

With this method, you get a more precise and personalized pain management solution. The system includes a programmable pump placed under the skin in your abdomen and a thin catheter that delivers medication from the pump to your spinal fluid.

What conditions can intrathecal drug therapy treat?

Dr. Koning uses intrathecal drug therapy to manage chronic pain and severe spasticity caused by various conditions, such as:

• Chronic back or neck pain when surgery or conservative treatments haven't worked
• Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS)
• Pain related to cancer that’s difficult to manage with just oral medications
• Nerve pain (neuropathy) from diabetes or injury
• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

This therapy is perfect if you're experiencing pain that doesn’t seem to improve with oral or injectable medications. It offers powerful relief straight to the area that needs it most, providing comfort and support.

Who is a good candidate for intrathecal drug therapy?

Not everyone with chronic pain is a candidate for this therapy, but you may benefit if:

• You’ve tried oral medications or injections without significant relief
• You’re experiencing intolerable side effects from oral pain medication
• Surgery isn’t an option or hasn't been effective
• Your pain severely limits your daily activities, job performance, or quality of life
• You have chronic spasticity due to conditions like multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy

Before moving forward, you undergo a trial of intrathecal drug therapy so that Dr. Koning can evaluate its effectiveness for your specific condition. Your temporary trial delivers the medication via an external pump for a few days to ensure it improves your symptoms before committing to the implant.

If chronic pain or failed treatments have limited your ability to enjoy life, it might be time to explore advancements like intrathecal drug therapy. Dr. Jonathan Koning and our expert team can help you decide if this therapy is right for you. Schedule a consultation today by calling ReGen Pain Management or requesting an appointment online.