Intrathecal pump is one of the most advanced pain management techniques in which a small device is implanted under the skin by minor surgery. It is done under local anesthesia. From this device fixed amount of medicine is delivered directly into the spinal fluid which minimizes the side effects often experienced with larger oral doses of the same medications.

There are two varieties of pumps, one is battery-operated which can be controlled through an external device and the other one is the fixed-dose pump where the flow rate is fixed.

The therapy is most useful in the management of cancer pain. But it can be used in other types of chronic pain associated with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, brain injury, and cerebral palsy too. It is also used to treat spasticity or muscle rigidity.