|  | Surgeries Operations | Surgeries

Morphine Pump for Discogenic Disc Pain

When severe, chronic nerve pain from damaged spinal discs, called discogenic pain, does not respond to oral medications, physical therapy, epidural injections and back surgery, a doctor may recommend a surgically implanted morphine pump, which will place the painkiller directly into the spinal canal, called intrathecal placement.

  1. The Facts

    • Since 1981, studies have established the effectiveness and safety of intrathecal morphine pumps as an alternative therapy for chronic pain, according a 2007 article in the Croatian Medical Journal. Morphine pumps can also dispense baclofen and hydromorphone for discogenic pain management.

    Features

    • A morphine pump has a refillable reservoir that holds pain medication and has a programmable pump. Tubing, a catheter, attaches to the pump and carries morphine, hydromorphone or a mixture of medications, from the reservoir to the spinal canal in the area of the pain.

    The Procedure

    • A surgeon installs the medication reservoir in the abdomen under the skin, just below the waistline. The surgeon embeds a catheter along the back's midline to spaces near the damaged disc.

    Benefits

    • The flow of pain medication to irritated nerves can provide pain relief with fewer side affects than those experienced with oral medications.

    Considerations

    • Intrathecal pumps and morphine do not work for everyone. According to Mayfield Clinic, doctors test the efficacy of intrathecal pain control by injecting morphine into the affected area and assessing the response. Only if the trial proves effective do doctors proceed with the surgery.

      As with any surgery, complications from infection and bleeding are possible.

    Warning

    • Only qualified medical personnel should refill your pump, preventing accidental overdose. Morphine may cause side effects such as depression, anxiety, constipation and nausea. Pain relief may decrease as the body becomes medication resistant.

      Doctors may remove the pump if infection occurs, pain relief ceases or the patient misuses the medication.

Surgeries - Related Articles