Pain Pump Implant Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for pain pump implant: what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
What to expect
Pain Management Goals
- •The goal is meaningful pain reduction, not always zero pain
- •Combine procedures with physical therapy and lifestyle changes for best results
- •Keep a pain diary to track patterns and improvements
Pain Pump Implant recovery, day by day
After the Procedure
- Incision care: keep clean and dry
- Follow all activity restrictions
- No driving for 24 hours after sedation
- Apply ice to the injection/procedure site: 15-20 min on, 20 min off as needed
What to Expect
- Pain relief may be gradual over days to weeks
- Some soreness at the procedure site is expected
- Do not raise arm above head or make sudden movements for 6 weeks (lead migration risk)
- Keep a pain diary to track your response to the procedure
Recovery
- Avoid bending, twisting, and lifting for 6 weeks (protects leads/connections)
- Continue current pain medications as directed (do not change without consulting your doctor)
- Report your pain relief (or lack thereof) at follow-up
- Stay active within your comfort level; avoid complete bed rest
Evaluating Results
- Continue rehabilitation program as directed
- Discuss results with your pain specialist at follow-up
- Adjustments to your pain management plan may be made based on results
- Continue physical therapy and home exercises as prescribed
When to call your provider or 911
- •Signs of infection at the implant site (redness, swelling, drainage, fever)
- •Severe headache after spinal/epidural injection (possible spinal headache)
- •New weakness, numbness, or tingling in arms or legs
- •Loss of stimulation or sudden change in stimulator function
- •Loss of bowel or bladder control
- •Severe pain that is dramatically worse than before the procedure
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 7
Healing begins
Incision healing and device settling
- Day 14
Evaluate response
Assess pain relief and discuss next steps with your doctor
- Day 14
Full effect
Treatment at full benefit; plan ongoing management
For clinics
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QR Rx sends this exact pain pump implant recovery plan to every patient, branded to your practice, opened by a QR code. It checks in automatically, answers post-op questions, asks for a review at the right moment, and brings patients back for their next visit. The aftercare you already owe every patient, doing the work of keeping them.
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