Pain Pumps in Bakersfield & Newport Beach

Chronic pain can come from a range of causes and take many forms, from mild aches to debilitating effects on your quality of life. Just as the cause and type of pain can be diverse, so are the treatments to provide patients with life-changing relief from their symptoms. One option we provide our patients in Bakersfield and Newport Beach is pain pumps, a unique way to address symptoms of chronic pain in an adaptive approach.
Graphical image of a knee joint with inflammation

What Is a Pain Pump?

A pain pump is an effective treatment for chronic pain that combines medical-grade medication with a pump delivery system. A pain pump, which is usually implanted near the spinal cord, delivers small doses of medications to the spinal cord and surrounding nerves. This can provide long-term relief without having to take oral medications or injections every day, allowing for a more consistent peace of mind in day-to-day life. Pain pumps offer a modern solution to fighting back against the symptoms of chronic pain.

The treatment works by using the pain pump as a means of releasing targeted doses of medication to alleviate symptoms of pain. It is composed of two parts: a reservoir where medication is helpful and a pump connected to a catheter that delivers medication to the spine and nerves.

Image showing a kneed being injected by doctor for treating joint infection

Benefits of Pain Pumps

  • Pain Pumps allow for the delivery of medication directly to the areas of chronic pain, providing more effective and targeted relief than oral medications or injections.
  • Pain pumps help reduce side effects associated with oral medications and injectables.
  • They can provide longer-term relief for conditions that have been previously difficult to treat with other methods.
  • Pain pumps are often used in conjunction with physical therapy or other treatments to maximize results.
  • The medication in the pump can be easily adjusted, making it easy for doctors to adjust doses as needed for optimal relief.
  • Most patients who use pain pumps experience improved quality of life due to better pain management.

Signs You Are a Candidate for a Pain Pump

Some key signs that a pain pump may be the right solution for you include if you:

  • Have been living with chronic pain that does not respond to other treatments or medications.
  • Are willing to undergo surgery and postoperative care associated with having a pain pump implanted.
  • Understand that while a pain pump can provide relief, it is not a cure for your condition.
  • Want to reclaim a sense of agency over your body to improve your quality of life?
  • Are suffering from pain in the joints, extremities, back, neck, and more.
  • Do not have a substance use disorder or be using certain medications that could interact with the pain medication.

What Is the Procedure Like to Get a Pain Pump?

The procedure to get a pain pump typically begins with a consultation with your surgeon at Paragon Health Group, who will assess your condition and determine if you are an appropriate candidate for the pain pump implant. If approved, you will then undergo surgery to have the pump and medication reservoir implanted in the abdomen with the connected catheter in the spinal cord. The entire process typically takes only 30-45 minutes and can be completed in a single visit to our surgical practice. If the pain pump ends up not delivering the results you need, it is not a permanent procedure, and the entire mechanism can be removed.

How Long Is the Recovery?

Typically, the recovery time from a pain pump procedure is relatively short for most of Paragon Health Group patients. Patients can usually return to normal activities within a day or two after surgery and can typically resume their normal lifestyle within 1-2 weeks. During this period, patients should follow their doctor’s postoperative care instructions closely to ensure optimal results and avoid any potential complications.

What Results Can I Expect?

Pain pumps are highly successful in relieving chronic pain and can help improve quality of life to a notable degree. Patients typically experience significant improvements in function, mobility, and overall comfort within a few weeks after having the pump implanted, allowing them a sense of reclaiming their life from the burden of chronic pain. However, results can vary depending on the individual, so speaking with your doctor about expectations before the procedure is important.

Schedule Your Visit Today!

If you are living with chronic pain and would like to learn more about pain pumps, the healthcare team at Paragon Health Group in Bakersfield & Newport Beach Pain is here to help. Our experienced surgeon and staff can evaluate your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get on the path to relief through a pain pump in Newport Beach and Bakersfield.