The MILD Procedure
Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression
Minimally invasive lumbar decompression (MILD) is a cutting-edge procedure designed to treat lumbar spinal stenosis, a common condition causing lower back and leg pain. The procedure removes small portions of bone and thickened ligaments to alleviate pressure on the spinal nerves and restore mobility. Speak with our doctors today to see if MILD is right for you.
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Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD)
The MILD procedure is primarily used to treat lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Since MILD is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure, there is minimal trauma, which means patients can expect a faster recovery compared to more invasive spine surgeries. The procedure removes pressure on the nerves by removing excess ligaments or bone tissues. This reduced nerve pressure can help significantly reduce leg, buttocks, and back pain.
If you want to learn more about the MILD back procedure, we invite you to use the navigation buttons below or read our MILD procedure patient reviews to find insights on who makes an ideal candidate for the procedure, practical tips for a smooth recovery, and answers to frequently asked questions. Or, you can watch our MILD procedure video to learn more information about this procedure.
When you're ready to take the next step, our team of dedicated specialists is here for you. Scheduling a new patient consultation is as simple as submitting our contact form or giving us a call.
What Patients Are Saying
Great office, good people. Been there quite a few years. Never a problem. Leave them a message, they always respond. I've had six back surgeries 2knees and right shoulder. Gregg keeps my chronic debilitating pain managed well so I can still live my life best I can. Im so grateful.
Jenny Martins / google review
Dr. Rao. I can't find the words to tell you how much he has meant to me. I followed him from an old practice to his very new high tech office. They offer so many different areas of assistance to those with issues from nutrition to spinal surgery... and much more. His office is professional.
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Dr. Rao is such an amazing doctor! During my first visit, he never tried to rush through my appt.; he genuinely listened to all my concerns and then took his time to explain to me in detail all his recommendations and how they would help me.
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Download our digital guide on minimally invasive lumbar decompression, featuring in-depth procedure details, information about our back pain specialists, MILD procedure costs, MILD procedure reviews, and answers to common questions.
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The MILD Procedure for Spinal Stenosis
What is the MILD procedure? Minimally invasive lumbar decompression is a cutting-edge procedure designed to alleviate pain and discomfort caused by lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Spinal stenosis causes the spinal canal to narrow, which then compresses the nerves and causes back or sciatica pain.
MILD surgery works by removing excess ligament tissue and bone that contribute to the narrowing of the spinal canal. This relieves pressure on the spinal nerves and restores mobility.
Understanding Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is specifically the narrowing of the space of the spinal canal, which contains the spinal nerves. It can happen in any part of the spine but most often occurs in the neck and the lower back.
Lumbar spinal stenosis is the type of stenosis present in the lower back, and the lumbar area comprises five lumbar vertebrae, which form part of the canal. When this area becomes compressed, it will push against the nerves and trigger pain signals to be sent through the central nervous system and into the brain.
Spinal stenosis is usually the result of a degenerative disease called osteoarthritis. Both tend to occur in older age, as there is a natural, gradual wear and tear on the body and joints. Osteoarthritis tends to set in around 50 or older, and spinal stenosis may follow afterward. Other causes of spinal stenosis include bone spurs, herniated discs, tumors, and injuries.
Section of the human vertebral column and cross-section of spinal cord.
Symptoms of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
While some people may not experience any pain associated with spinal stenosis, many will have some symptoms. Symptoms vary depending on whether the condition is present in the cervical or lumbar spine.
Symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis include:
Causes of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
The most common causes of lumbar spinal stenosis are:
Additional Contributing Factors
Other causes for MILD include:
- 1Aging: As you grow older, changes in your spine, such as bone spurs or disc degeneration, can lead to lumbar spinal stenosis. It's a common part of aging, but it doesn't mean you have to live with the discomfort.
- 2Tumors: Although rare, tumors in the spinal cord can cause lumbar spinal stenosis. These growths can compress the spinal cord or nerves, leading to pain and other symptoms.
- 3Heredity: If the spinal canal is too small at birth, symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis may show up in a relatively young person. Some people are born with a small spinal canal that becomes symptomatic later in life.
- 4Instability of the spine: Conditions like spondylolisthesis can cause one vertebra to slip forward onto another, leading to narrowing of the spinal canal.
- 5
Spinal injuries: Car accidents, falls, or other types of trauma can dislocate or fracture the vertebrae, causing swelling of nearby tissues and pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
Is Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression Right for You?
Identifying the ideal candidates for the MILD pain procedure is crucial to ensure the best possible outcomes.
A few indications that you are an ideal candidate for minimally invasive lumbar decompression are:
Chronic Lower Back and Leg Pain:
Patients suffering from chronic lower back and leg pain that is not relieved by conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections might be candidates for MILD.
Limited Mobility:
MILD can be an excellent option for patients whose mobility is significantly impacted due to lumbar spinal stenosis.
No Severe Instability or Deformity:
Patients without severe spinal instability or deformity are better suited for MILD, as the procedure aims to preserve the structural integrity of the spine.
Pain and Spine Specialists Consultation and Diagnosis Process
Our process begins with an in-depth review of your medical history and a comprehensive physical examination. We utilize advanced diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans, for a detailed view of your spine.
If required, specialized nerve tests are performed to determine if your nerves are being compressed. In some cases, we may use diagnostic nerve blocks like facet joint injections, epidural steroid injections, SI joint injections, or medial branch blocks. These procedures enable us to accurately isolate the source of your pain, paving the way for effective treatments like minimally invasive lumbar decompression. Throughout this journey, we ensure you are informed, comfortable, and confident in your care.
Over 30,000 lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) patients have been treated with MILD. - NIH
94.2% of participants did not require additional spine surgery after the MILD procedure. - NIH
A 0.1% complication rate reflects the safety and reliability of this treatment. - Vertos Medical
The MILD Procedure
Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (aka the M I L D procedure) offers a safer, more efficient, and less disruptive treatment option for patients suffering from lumbar spinal stenosis.
A detailed step-by-step explanation of decompression of spine surgery is:
- 1Patient Evaluation and Preparation: A thorough evaluation is conducted to confirm the diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis and identify the specific area of the spine requiring treatment. Before the procedure begins, the patient is brought to the room where the surgery will be performed, and the area of the back where the pain is located will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution. Local anesthesia will be administered to numb the area, and X-rays will mark the exact spot where our doctors will be working.
- 2Accessing the Spine: The patient will lie face down on the operating table, and our doctors will make a small incision will be made. The incision is tiny, about the size of a baby aspirin. This minimally invasive approach minimizes damage to surrounding tissues and reduces postoperative pain. Multiple tubes are inserted through the incision to open up the space around the muscles and provide access to the spine. A final tube, only the size of a dime or nickel, is inserted so that specialized tools can then be used to correct the problem.
- 3Visualization and Guidance: Using fluoroscopy, a real-time X-ray imaging technique, our doctors will guide a specialized tube called a cannula through the incision to the targeted area of the spine. This allows for precise visualization of the compressed nerves and the excess ligamentum flavum or bone spurs causing the stenosis.
- 4Decompression: Our doctors will insert specialized instruments through the cannula to carefully remove the excess ligamentum flavum and any bone spurs. This decompression enlarges the spinal canal, relieving nerve pressure and reducing pain.
- 5Closure and Recovery: All tools and tubes are removed after the procedure, and the small incision is closed and bandaged. The whole process should only take an hour, and the patient is then taken to a recovery room for another hour before being discharged. Since the MILD surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, patients can return home on the same day. Recovery is generally faster than traditional open surgery, with most patients resuming normal activities within a few weeks.
Post Procedure: Recovery Time from MILD procedure
The minimally invasive lumbar decompression procedure offers patients a faster recovery period compared to traditional open surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis. While individual recovery times may vary, this timeline provides a general overview of what to expect after the MILD procedure:
Tips For A Smooth Recovery
To ensure a smooth and successful recovery after the MILD decompression spinal surgery, tips to ease the recovery process include:
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Advantages and Disadvantages of MILD
The MILD spine procedure offers a ray of hope for those grappling with chronic pain. This minimally invasive technique requires only a small incision, which not only lessens the risk of complications and scar tissue but also minimizes postoperative discomfort. You'll appreciate a quicker recovery than traditional open-spinal surgery, with most people resuming walking on the same day.
The procedure is designed to preserve your spine's structural integrity, reducing the likelihood of additional surgeries or extended rehabilitation. Typically completed within an hour as an outpatient procedure, you can return home by car or plane shortly after being discharged, often on the same day. Plus, the procedure's less invasive nature minimizes potential complications like infection or blood loss, offering you a safer path to pain relief.
MILD Procedure Complications and Risks
While there are several advantages, there is a risk that the procedure will not improve the patient's pain and may even make it worse. There is also a chance of an infection or bruising around the area that should clear up within a matter of days. However, the side effects of MILD procedures are usually minimal, and antibiotics can treat any infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore some of the most common questions we receive about minimally invasive lumbar decompression treatment at Pain and Spine Specialists.
The procedure is typically performed by orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, and pain management specialists who have received training in minimally invasive spine procedures.
Coverage for this procedure varies greatly by insurance provider and plan. It's best to contact your insurance company directly to understand your coverage.
Alternatives can include physical therapy, medications, injections, or other surgical procedures such as spinal fusion or traditional open decompression surgery.
Yes, as the name suggests, it is a minimally invasive procedure that involves small incisions and minimal damage to surrounding tissues.
You can use online resources like the American Board of Spine Surgery's directory, or consult with your primary care physician or local hospital for referrals.
You can search online directories, such as those provided by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons or the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Your primary care doctor may also be able to provide a referral.
The cost of the procedure can vary significantly depending on location, surgeon experience, and insurance coverage. It's best to discuss this with your healthcare provider and insurance company.
Coverage can vary, so it's best to check directly with Medicare or Medicaid. Some policies may cover the procedure if it's deemed medically necessary.
Experience Pain Relief with Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression
As you explore treatment options for lumbar spinal stenosis, consider the life-changing potential of minimally invasive lumbar decompression surgery. You don't have to let chronic pain hold you back any longer. You don't need to type "MILD procedure near me" into a search engine. Instead, take the first step towards a pain-free life by scheduling a consultation with our highly experienced pain and spine specialists. Our team is committed to accurately diagnosing your condition and crafting custom-tailored treatment plans that address your needs.
About Us
We are a comprehensive pain management practice with board-certified doctors specializing in minimally invasive treatments, such as Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression. Our mission is to alleviate your chronic pain and restore your quality of life with proven, effective solutions.
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Treatment Candidates
Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression for patients suffering from the following conditions:
Related Pain Regions
Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression is often used to treat pain in the following regions:
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At Pain and Spine Specialists we provide comprehensive pain care while offering the most up-to-date minimally invasive techniques. Our ethos is to treat each patient (and potential patient) as if they were a family member.
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Meet Our Team
Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression Specialists in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Florida and Virginia
Our experienced professionals work closely with you to develop customized treatment plans tailored to accurately diagnose and address conditions like Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. By utilizing innovative treatments such as The MILD procedure, we aim to treat the root cause of your pain, helping you achieve lasting relief and improved quality of life. You can find us conveniently located throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Virginia.
