Surgically Implanted Medical Device for Chronic Back Pain

According to the Mayo Clinic, most people will suffer back pain at some point in their life. For most, simple treatments can help reduce the amount of time the pain continues and even the severity. However, for some, back pain becomes a nagging issue that requires a more aggressive line of treatment. This can occasionally include implanted devices for pain management.

Types

• Back pain looks different from person to person. However, one thing remains the same: Some sort of treatment is usually necessary to help reduce severe pain levels. For some, surgery is an option to consider. Implanted devices may be used to help fight pain. Today, there are two main devices: the spinal cord stimulator and the intrathecal drug delivery system, also known as a morphine pump.

Spinal Cord Stimulator

• Operation room

  A spinal cord stimulator is an implanted device that may be used for those who suffer from severe or chronic back pain. To begin with, a temporary system is used. A wire is connected to the spinal cord and to an external battery to find if this is the proper way to go. If successful, the permanent surgery is performed. A lead wire is carefully threaded and connected to the spinal cord at the level of the pain. The wire is then connected to a small battery that is implanted at an agreed-upon position. It is designed to send out electrical pulses to help block the brain from receiving pain signals.

Possible Adverse Side Effects

• Implanting the spinal cord stimulator is an invasive surgery, which can lead to side effects. These can include but are not limited to swelling, bruising, bleeding or headache. There may also be persistent pain at the site of the surgery, a jolting or shocking sensation or, rarely, removal of the spinal cord stimulator. It is possible but extremely unlikely that the surgery can lead to disability or fatality.

Intrathecal Drug Delivery Pump

• Trial medication

  A different implanted device for pain is called an intrathecal drug delivery pump, or morphine pump. This device, like the spinal stimulator, has a trial period to discover if this option is the best form of pain management. A shot of medication is released in the spinal fluid, which flows around the spine, to discover effectiveness. The permanent surgery involves a catheter threaded into the spinal fluid. The catheter is then connected to a pump that is implanted just under the skin, typically in the abdomen or in the very low part of the back. The pump is filled with medication to help cut back on oral medications and give better pain management without strong side effects. The pump must be refilled every two to three months by a physician.

Possible Adverse Side Effects

• Like any surgery, there are inherent possible risks. These can include bruising, bleeding or infection. Unique to the morphine pump, some adverse effects can include spinal fluid leak leading to severe headache, paralysis or malfunction with the pump. Some complications may require further surgery or other care from a physician.