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Spinal Infusion Specialist

Advanced Pain Management Center Our Services Spinal Infusion
Advanced Pain Management Center - - Interventional Pain Management Physician

Advanced Pain Management Center

Interventional Pain Management Physician & Regenerative Orthopedics Specialists located in Portland, OR

Spinal infusion delivers medication directly to the spinal cord, providing fast, effective relief. Vladimir Fiks, MD, is a leading interventional pain management physician at Advanced Pain Management Center in Portland, Oregon. He leads a team trained in advanced pain management techniques such as intrathecal pump therapy. You don’t have to put up with chronic pain — make an appointment today by calling the practice or booking through the website, also serving the surrounding areas of Aloha, Hillsboro, Beaverton, Tigard & Lake Oswego.

Spinal Infusion Q&A

What is spinal infusion?

Spinal infusion — also known as intrathecal pump therapy — is a method by which Dr. Fiks administers pain-relief medication directly to your spinal cord. It uses a hockey-puck sized device that contains pain medication that he surgically implants beneath the skin in the abdomen.

The intrathecal space is a fluid-filled space around your spine. Dr. Fiks attaches one end of a catheter to the pain pump and inserts the other end into the intrathecal space. The pump releases the medication based on your personal needs, and your doctor can change the program at any time. When the medication runs out, he injects more into the pain pump through your skin.

Because medication goes straight to the spinal fluid sac, you need a much smaller dose than you would with an oral pain-relieving drug.

Intrathecal pump implantation is reversible, and you can ask Dr. Fiks to remove it whenever you like.

What conditions does spinal infusion treat?

Spinal infusion helps several conditions, including but not limited to:

  • Peripheral nerve injury
  • Meninges scarring and inflammation
  • Chronic pancreatitis
  • Pain from certain tumors
  • Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
  • Failed back surgery syndrome

If you have any of these conditions and other medicines haven’t worked, speak with Dr. Fiks to see if spinal infusion can help with pain relief.

Who is a good candidate for spinal infusion?

There are many reasons spinal infusion may be the most appropriate treatment for you. You may be a good candidate if:

  • Surgery isn’t an option or necessary
  • You’re psychologically healthy
  • You’re healthy enough to undergo implantation of the pump
  • You responded well to a trial dose of medication
  • Conservative therapies have been unsuccessful
  • You aren’t allergic to the medicine in the pump

Dr. Fiks assesses your suitability for spinal infusion before recommending it as a treatment.

What does spinal infusion surgery involve?

Before surgery, Dr. Fiks refers you for presurgical tests that include blood tests, chest X-rays, and an electrocardiogram to make sure you’re healthy enough for the procedure. The surgery takes under 2 hours, and you’re asleep the whole time. Most people go home the same day of surgery with postoperative care instructions for self-care.

Spinal infusion is an effective way of managing pain while weaning people off higher-strength medication. If you have concerns about back pain, make an appointment at Advanced Pain Management Center today by calling the office or booking through the website.

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