Factors Your Doctor May Consider – Drug Pump

The treatment option that will work best for you depends on your type of pain, how severe it is, and how you respond to pain treatment.

A drug pump might be right for you if:

• Your pain persists even though you are taking medication as directed
• Your medication is causing side effects that are reducing the quality of life for you and your family
• You have had a successful screening test

Screening Test

After your doctor confirms that you are a candidate for a drug pump, he or she may decide to perform a screening test that will allow you to temporarily experience the therapy.

During this test, your doctor may choose one of two procedures:

• Single injection – a single injection of a small amount of medication into your spinal column, similar to an epidural injection
• Continuous infusion – a continuous infusion of medication is delivered to the area around the spinal cord through a temporary, implanted catheter (this test takes place over several days)

Section Navigation

• Getting a Drug Pump
• Factors Your Doctor May Consider
• Your Healthcare Team
• Surgery: What to Expect
• Frequently Asked Questions

Additional information