Dr. Jacob Caylor, a dedicated pain management and pain pump doctor in Round Rock, Cedar Park, and North Austin, has a unique and compassionate approach to patient care. Originally from Seattle, he spent time in San Diego before returning to the Pacific Northwest. With a background in anesthesiology, Dr. Caylor longed for a deeper connection with patients and the opportunity to see improvement over time. This longing for a more personal, patient-centered practice led him back to pain medicine, where he could witness firsthand the progress and healing of those he treats.
"My job is to show you the options," says Dr. Caylor. "It doesn’t mean we do anything, but you should know what and why we're doing things." His philosophy centers on the idea that there is no "pain-o-meter"—no magic wand to determine the exact source of a patient's pain. Instead, he relies on patient history and a collaborative approach to identify where the pain is coming from. He likens his work to solving a puzzle, peeling back the layers to uncover the truth. "Everything we do teaches us something about the patient," he notes. It may take trial and error, “like discovering thousands of ways not to make a light bulb,” but this ensures the best approach for each individual patient.
Pain pumps, also known as intrathecal drug delivery systems, are advanced medical devices used to manage chronic pain. Intrathecal means delivering medication straight into the fluid around your spinal cord, allowing it to work directly on your nerves.
In order words, it delivers medication directly into the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the spinal cord, offering significant relief with smaller doses than oral or intravenous methods. The system includes a small pump implanted under the skin, a catheter to deliver the medication, and an external programmer to adjust settings. Intrathecal pain pumps administer medication continuously or in controlled doses, targeting pain receptors in the spinal cord.
This method is more effective and causes fewer side effects compared to systemic medication, making it a valuable tool for treating chronic pain, including, but not limited to:
Opioids are the most commonly used medications in pain pumps, but other options may be better suited to your specific condition. Antispasmodic medications can help manage muscle spasms and reduce pain associated with conditions like spasticity. Numbing medications can effectively block pain signals by targeting specific nerves. Additionally, medications designed for nerve pain, like gabapentin or pregabalin, can be used to treat neuropathic pain by calming overactive nerves. Your provider will help identify the best combination of medications based on your individual needs, ensuring optimal pain relief with minimal side effects.
Long-term use of oral opioids can lead to habituation, where the body becomes desensitized as it deletes opioid receptors, forcing the brain to downregulate its response to the medication. This often results in the need for higher doses, which can cause side effects like constipation and dizziness.
Unlike oral medications that are dispersed throughout the body, pain pumps deliver medication directly into the spinal column, targeting pain receptors with precision and minimizing systemic side effects. By providing continuous, localized relief, pain pumps eliminate the need for increasing dosages, reducing the risk of side effects and allowing patients to maintain effective pain management without the common problems associated with oral opioids.
Additionally, pain patients often face significant stigma, with others wrongly assuming they are seeking drugs rather than genuine relief. At PSA, the discreet use of a pain pump eliminates the need for frequent pharmacy visits, allowing patients to manage their pain privately and without judgment.
A pain pump looks like a small hockey puck. While typically implanted in the abdomen, Dr. Caylor often implants the device in the back of the hip, making it discreet and not easily noticeable. Because it's internal, there's no need for external tubes or attachments. Most patients can wear regular clothing without the pump being visible, allowing them to manage their pain privately and without drawing attention.
Before committing to a pain pump, patients undergo a trial process to determine its suitability. For the trial, a spinal tap will deliver medication, which lasts for approximately 18 hours, and the patient and doctor will work together to assess the response.
Most patients experience significant pain relief during the trial and choose to move forward. Following a successful trial, the pain pump is implanted, delivering medication directly to the spinal neurons. The initial recovery involves monitoring the incision before the pump is filled. Dosages are adjusted every two weeks until the pain is controlled, and then the patient only needs to return every three months, give or take, for refills.
One of Dr. Caylor’s patients, a woman with metastatic breast cancer, experienced life-changing relief from a pain pump. The cancer had spread to her hip, causing excruciating pain that previous treatments couldn’t alleviate.
She had one goal – to see her grandchildren graduate. Yet her pain was so intense, the idea of traveling was out of the question.
With the pain pump, she was able to sleep comfortably, fulfill her dream of seeing her grandchildren graduate, and continue to live pain-free, enjoying her life to the fullest.
Another patient, who was once bedridden, found a new lease on life with a pain pump implant. It allowed her to travel the world, something she had always dreamed of, yet wouldn’t have been possible with oral medications.
Good Candidates:
Individuals with chronic pain conditions, such as severe back or neck pain, failed spinal surgeries, or chronic abdominal pain, are typically good candidates for a pain pump. Those who have not found relief from other treatments, including oral medications, and are committed to regular follow-ups for maintenance and refills, are ideal for this therapy. Additionally, patients who want to reduce the side effects associated with systemic pain medications may benefit from a pain pump.
Not Suitable for:
Patients who are not ready to commit to the regular appointments necessary for pain pump maintenance may not be suitable candidates. Additionally, those with conditions that contraindicate surgery or who may have difficulty following through with the required care plan might need to consider alternative pain management options.
At PSA, we believe in offering the therapies our patients deserve. Our approach is personalized, focusing on understanding all available options before proceeding with treatment. We strive to identify the true root cause of pain, rather than just treating the symptoms.
Unlike some practices, our goal isn’t profit-driven but mission-driven – to alleviate pain through comprehensive, outcomes-based care, enabling our patients to lead active, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
We understand the stigma that pain patients often face, and we work to create a discreet and supportive environment. With a pain pump, our patients can reclaim their lives, free from the constant need for medication and the associated judgment.
Pain management is a complex field, but with the right tools and a compassionate approach, patients can achieve significant relief. Pain pumps offer a powerful solution for those struggling with chronic pain, providing targeted, effective relief with minimal side effects. Under the care of dedicated professionals like Dr. Caylor, patients can explore all their options and find a path to a better quality of life.
If you’re looking for a pain pump doctor in Round Rock, with a personalized approach, consider requesting a new patient appointment, to see how you can restore your quality of life.