The MILD procedure, or Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression, is an advanced procedure done by the board-certified physicians at SpineOne to safely and effectively treat a common cause of low back and leg pain called lumbar spinal stenosis.
This outpatient procedure has been shown to provide effective relief for symptoms such as:
- Pain or numbness in the lower back when standing
- Pain, numbness, or tingling in the legs or buttocks when walking
- Pain of either type listed above which improves when bending forward or sitting down
Lumbar spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the central canal of the lumbar spine (low back). The central canal is where the spinal cord and spinal roots live and narrowing in this region can cause pain along with numbness and tingling in the low back, buttocks, and legs. Lumbar spinal stenosis can also cause neurogenic claudication which presents as intense cramping in the calf after short periods of activity.
The causes of lumbar spinal stenosis are many, including enlargement of the ligament in the back portion of the spinal canal called the ligamentum flavum. This excess ligament tissue is safely and carefully removed during the MILD procedure.
What are the benefits of MILD procedure?
This is an outpatient minimally invasive procedure. It does not require general anesthesia or strong pain medicine with side effects such as opioid medications. It is done without any implants in the spine. The incision is very small, estimated to be the size of a baby aspirin (5.1 mm) and requires no stitches for closure. The procedure can help reduce your pain and increase your time standing and walking. As this is a minimally invasive procedure, there is very little time needed for recovery. In fact, most patients usually resume their normal activity within 24 hours without any restrictions.
Am I a candidate for the MILD procedure?
If you have symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis such as pain, numbness, and/or tingling in the low back, buttocks, and legs or cramping in the calves with minimal activity you could be a candidate for the MILD procedure. Schedule a consultation with a SpineOne physician to discuss your symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis and learn if the MILD procedure can help.