At Vertex Pain Physicians, we are committed to offering cutting-edge treatments for chronic back pain. One of our most effective, patient-focused solutions is the Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (mild® procedure). This advanced technique is designed to provide long-lasting relief from lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) without the risks and lengthy recovery time associated with traditional surgery and general anesthesia.
What Does Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (mild®) Mean?
The mild® procedure is a novel, FDA-cleared, outpatient treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis. It targets the root cause of LSS by removing excess ligament tissue that narrows the spinal canal, compressing the nerves and causing pain, numbness, and reduced mobility. By restoring natural space in the spinal canal, the mild® procedure alleviates symptoms, improves mobility, and enhances the overall quality of life.
What Conditions Can Be Treated with Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression?
The mild® procedure is a great option for patients who:
- Have been diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS)
- Want a safer, less invasive alternative to open-back surgery
- Continue to experience pain or symptoms after treatments like physical therapy or injections
- Have tried other therapies such as epidural steroid injections without much relief.
Patients with lumbar spinal stenosis often experience:
- Difficulty standing or walking for long periods
- Numbness or tingling in the legs or buttocks
- Reduced mobility and overall quality of life
- Chronic lower back pain
How Is the mild® Procedure Performed?
The mild® procedure is a minimally invasive treatment performed under local anesthesia or light sedation. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
Step 1 — Imaging Setup
Your doctor uses fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray imaging) to precisely locate the affected area of your lower spine, ensuring accuracy throughout the procedure.
Step 2 — Making the Incision
After numbing your skin with local anesthesia, a tiny incision (about the size of a pea) is made in your lower back. This small incision minimizes scarring, and no stitches are required.
Step 3 — Insertion of Working Equipment
Through the small incision, your doctor inserts specialized surgical tools designed specifically for the mild® procedure to get access to the overgrown ligament.
Step 4 — Removing Excess Ligament
Your doctor carefully removes small pieces of excess ligament tissue, relieving pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, under real time x-ray imaging guidance.
This restores space in the spinal canal and directly addresses the cause of lumbar spinal stenosis.
By removing the excess ligament, there is greater room in the spinal canal for the spinal cord to move freely without entrapment.
Step 5 — Verification
Imaging is used again to ensure that sufficient tissue has been removed and that the spinal canal is properly decompressed.
Step 6 — Completion
The tools are removed, and the incision is covered with a small bandage. No stitches are needed.
Post-Procedure Care
After the mild® procedure, you’ll spend some time resting in a recovery area. Most patients can go home the same day.
Recovery
You may experience mild soreness at the incision site, but this typically resolves within a few days.
Activity
You can gradually resume daily activities, often noticing improved mobility and reduced pain.
Follow-up Care
Your doctor will provide aftercare instructions and guide you through recovery, ensuring optimal outcomes.
This minimally invasive procedure offers long-term relief with minimal downtime, making it a safe and effective alternative to traditional open-back surgery.
What is the Difference Between the mild® Procedure and Other Pain Management Treatments?
The mild® procedure stands out from other treatments by directly addressing the root cause of lumbar spinal stenosis rather than just masking the symptoms. Here’s a detailed comparison:
Addresses the Root Cause
mild® Procedure
Targets the thickened ligament (ligamentum flavum) that causes spinal canal narrowing. By removing this excess tissue, the procedure resolves the source of pain, leading to long-lasting relief.
Other Treatments
Many treatments, such as epidural steroid injections or pain medications, focus on symptom management, temporarily reducing inflammation but not addressing the structural issue causing the pain.
Minimally Invasive
mild® Procedure
Performed through a tiny 5-6 mm incision with no cutting of muscles or insertion of implants. It requires no general anesthesia, minimizing risks and shortening recovery time.
Other Treatments
Traditional surgeries like laminectomy or spinal fusion involve larger incisions, cutting of bone, and the insertion of hardware, leading to longer recovery times and higher risks.
Outpatient Procedure with Fast Recovery
mild® Procedure
This is an outpatient procedure with most patients going home the same day and resuming normal activities within a few days.
Other Treatments
Open-back surgeries typically require hospital stays and extended recovery times, with weeks to months of limited mobility. Injection-based treatments may require repeated visits without offering permanent relief.
No Hardware or Foreign Implants
mild® Procedure
The mild® procedure preserves the spine’s natural structure without using screws, rods, or artificial implants, which means there’s no risk of implant failure or adjacent segment disease.
Other Treatments
Surgeries like spinal fusion rely on hardware, which can cause complications like implant failure or stress on surrounding vertebrae.
Clinically Proven Long-Term Relief
mild® Procedure
Clinical studies demonstrate that the mild® procedure provides significant, lasting relief from symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis.
Other Treatments
Steroid injections and other conservative measures often provide temporary relief and may require ongoing maintenance.
Ideal for High-Risk Patients
mild® Procedure
It is a safer option for patients who are older or have comorbid conditions (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, obesity, heart failure) that may make them ineligible for traditional surgery.
Other Treatments
Open surgeries carry greater risks for complications, particularly for patients with significant health conditions.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If chronic lower back pain and reduced mobility are affecting your life, the Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (mild® procedure) could be the solution you’ve been searching for. Contact Vertex Pain Physicians today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a pain-free future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recovery time for the mild® procedure?
Recovery is quick, with most patients returning to normal activities within a few days, with minimal downtime and no hospital stay.
Is the mild® procedure safe?
Yes, the mild® procedure has an excellent safety profile, with clinical studies showing significant and lasting relief for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.
Are there any implants or hardware involved in the mild® procedure?
No, unlike traditional surgeries, the mild® procedure does not require implants, screws, or spinal fusion, preserving the spine’s natural structure.
What are the potential risks or side effects?
As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks. However, serious complications are rare. Your physician will discuss any potential risks during your consultation.
What is the age limit for the mild® procedure?
There is no strict age limit; the mild® procedure is suitable for adults of all ages with lumbar spinal stenosis, based on overall health and a doctor’s evaluation.
Will I need to stay in the hospital after the procedure?
No, the mild® procedure is an outpatient procedure, meaning most patients go home the same day.
How soon can I expect relief after the procedure?
Many patients notice a reduction in pain and improved mobility shortly after the procedure, with continued improvement over time.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any medical concerns.
