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Nuvo Pain Management

Nuvo Spine and Sports Pain Management

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Intrathecal Pump

(last updated on April 17, 2019)
Home » Advanced Pain Management Procedures » Intrathecal Pump
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  • Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy (IDET)
  • Disc-FX® System
  • A2M (Alpha 2 Macroglobulin)
  • Biological Therapy
  • Adipose and Bone Marrow Aspiration Stem Cell Therapies
  • Advanced Neurostimulation
  • Fluoroscopy Guided Injection
  • Epidural for Pain Treatment
  • Facet Joint Injection
  • Genicular Nerve Block
  • HydroDiscectomy / SpineJet™ Percutaneous HydroDiscectomy
  • Intrathecal Pump
  • Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty
  • MILD Procedure for Spinal Stenosis
  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
  • Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
  • Spinal Cord Stimulators
  • Stem Cell Therapy
  • Sympathetic Nerve Block
  • Traumeel injections
  • Superion Procedure
  • Zeel Injections
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What is an Intrathecal Pump?

An intrathecal pump is an advanced method of managing chronic back pain. Also known as a targeted drug delivery, an intrathecal pump can deliver medication directly into the spinal cord. For some patients, this may be a safer alternative than oral medication.

Intrathecal pumps bypass the digestive system completely, which makes them uniquely effective for managing chronic pain. Patients can experience the same relief with much smaller doses of medication, and avoid many of the negative side effects of pain pills.

An intrathecal pump won’t treat your underlying condition, but it can provide some respite from chronic pain and improve your quality of life.

Intrathecal pumps can alleviate both pain and muscle spasms associated with:

  • Failed back surgery
  • Cancer
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Chronic pancreatitis

How Do Intrathecal Pumps Work?

Inthrathecal Pump for Chronic Back Pain, Advanced Pain Management Los AngelesThe pump itself looks a little like a pocket watch. It is a round metal device connected to a tube (catheter) and implanted beneath the skin in the abdomen. The catheter leads to the spine, and the tip is inserted directly into the spinal column.

The pump is pre-programmed to release medication throughout the day, based on a schedule set by your doctor.

A beeping noise will let you know when it’s time to refill the pump. Your doctor or nurse can do this by injecting a needle through the skin and into the pump’s reservoir. If you’re still experiencing some discomfort, your doctor can adjust the dosage.

How Is the Pump Inserted?

The surgical insertion is performed under general anesthesia. Your doctor will make two incisions: one in the side of your abdomen to place the pump, and another in your back to place the catheter.

The whole process takes about 3-4 hours, and most patients can go home the same day.

After the procedure, it’s normal to experience some discomfort while your body recovers. You may take pain medication during this time, but even if you’re feeling better, be mindful not to overexert yourself. Certain activities, like climbing stairs, lifting heavy items, or rigorous exercise, will be off-limits for 2-3 weeks after surgery.

Is an Intrathecal Pump Right for Me?

An intrathecal pump is a safe, effective method for managing chronic pain, but it may not be right for everyone. There are a few factors that you and your doctor will need to consider before recommending the device, such as:

  • What other conventional treatments you tried, and were they successful?
  • What are the risks of undergoing surgery?
  • Do you have an existing dependence on pain medication?
  • Do you have any allergies that will interfere with the treatment?

Only a certified specialist can determine if an intrathecal pump is right for you. If you’re a good candidate, you’ll receive a trial device to see what impact the treatment may have on your pain. If it relieves at least 50% of the pain, then a permanent device will be implanted.

To learn more about the benefits of an intrathecal pump, schedule a consultation with the specialists at Nuvo Spine today.

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Dr. Payem Vahedifar M.D.

Dr. Payem Vahedifar M.D.

Dr. Vahedifar graduated with honors from UCLA and then from Tulane University College of Medicine where he did extensive research on nerve-associated pain. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and a member of the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Dr. Vahedifar's pain management strategies integrate cutting-edge medical technology with targeted interventions to minimize pain and treat pain’s underlying causes.
Dr. Payem Vahedifar M.D.

Latest posts by Dr. Payem Vahedifar M.D. (see all)

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  • LA Rams’ Todd Gurley Trying Regenerative Stem Cells to Heal His Knee - March 21, 2019

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About
ABOUT OUT PRACTICE
ABOUT OUR DOCTOR
ABOUT OUR LOCATIONS
Conditions
Cervical Radiculopathy
Cervical Spinal Stenosis (CSS)
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
Facet Joint Pain
Herniated Discs
Knee Arthritis
Labrum Tears
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS)
Meniscus Tears
Hip Arthritis
Plantar Fasciitis
Rotator Cuff Injury
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
Sciatica (Lumbar Radiculopathy)
Spinal Compression Fractures
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Procedures
A2M (Alpha 2 Macroglobulin)
Adipose and Bone Marrow Aspiration Stem Cell Therapies
Advanced Neurostimulation
Biological Therapy
Disc-FX® System
Epidural for Pain Treatment
Facet Joint Injection
Fluoroscopy Guided Injection
Genicular Nerve Block
HydroDiscectomy / SpineJet™ Percutaneous HydroDiscectomy
Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy (IDET)
Intrathecal Pump
Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty
MILD Procedure for Spinal Stenosis
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP for Chronic Back Pain
PRP for Hip Arthritis
PRP for Rotator Cuff Injury
PRP for Whiplash
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Spinal Cord Stimulators
Stem Cell Therapy
Sympathetic Nerve Block
Traumeel injections
Superion Procedure
Zeel Injections
Testimonials
Insurance
Blog

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WHAT REAL PATIENTS SAY ABOUT DR. VAHEDIFAR

Dr. Vahedifar is amazing! I have been to numerous doctors for my spine as I have several herniations that are incredibly painful. Dr. Vahedifar is literally the best. Spine herniations are scary; but he eases my mind because he is so intelligent and well-read—something that is so important to people who live with daily pain.
Suzanne G.
The patient care is excellent from the moment you walk in. Dr.Vahedifar is always on time and very thorough. Great staff also. He listens carefully and thinks of all possibilities to help with the problem.
Christine H.
Dr. Vahedifar is very compassionate and knowledgeable  I have been seeing Dr. Vahedifar for the past 7 years and he is the best Dr that I have ever had in my life. The office staff is also very helpful and supportive too. Thank you to Dr. Vahedifar and his staff!
Dionne W.
There's nobody else you should consider for pain management. I've going to Dr. Vahedifar for a long time for various spine and ailments and by far he is the best at what he does at diagnosing and managing pain. He is well known amongst his peers and doctors through out Los Angeles and that says a lot. His staff is superior and his diagnostic abilities are superior.
Steven B.
I have always valued Dr. Vahedifar as he has been able to manage my issues better than any other medical professional, and I had been suffering with these particular issues for years. I know that I can send an email and get a response by phone or a reply in a timely manner which is very important!
Alison F.
I have been a patient of Dr. Vahedifar for 9 years and he has managed to alleviate my excruciating pain with kindness and compassion. My quality of life has improved, because Dr. V is a brilliant doctor that keeps up with all of the latest techniques. I trust him 100%! .  
Dani D.
I have been so impressed and pleased with Dr. Vahedifar and his entire staff, that I have referred many patients to him over the last decade or so. Thank you so much for all you do.
Rhonda S.
Dr. Vahedifar has been my doctor now for about 10 years. He is the kindest, most compassionate and knowledgeable orthopedic physician I have experienced. He has been a lifesaver for me. If you are having chronic pain orthopedic or neuralgia PLEASE make an appointment with him. You will not regret it
Gallob J.
I highly recommend Dr. Vahedifar, he is as good as it gets. He is an extremely knowledgeable, passionate, and caring doctor.  I had a couple of epidurals done on my back, getting me out of the severe pain I was in from my herniated disc.
Nader Y.
Dr. Vahedifar has been my doctor for many years! He's always been compassionate and explained any/all options available to me. My family appreciates that he has given me back a quality of life that I would not have were it not for him. I trust Dr. Vahedifar 100% to do his best for me.
ERIK S.
Unless you have experienced pain there are no words that can describe it. Dr. Vahedifar is a doctor will work to find a way to help. He is gentle and caring and spends the time explaining and listening to the patient. Thank goodness I have finally found him. I feel like I might believe in miracles!
Yvonne L.
Dr. Vahedifar is very understanding & compassionate. I have been seeing him off and on for over 5 years and don’t plan on going anywhere else. His staff is also kind and caring.
Arin W.

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Dr. Vahedifar, is consistently voted
a leading physician by his peers:

Top Doctors Award Winner
Super Doctors Top Southern California Award Super Doctors
Vitals Patient Choice Award
Compassionate Doctor Award Winner
Castle Connolly Top Doctors Award Winner

Encino

16633 Ventura Blvd, Suite 802
Encino, CA 91436
(818) 600-4822

Beverly Hills

450 N. Roxbury Drive Suite 602
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 584-7741

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Nuvo Spine and Sports Pain Management The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as medical advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship.