MILD (Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression): What is it, and Can it Help You?

You have a diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis, meaning your spinal canal has narrowed, compressing the nerves around the spinal cord. You’re dealing with disabling symptoms such as weakness in your legs, pain when standing or walking, and/or numbness in one or both feet or legs. You may experience sciatica, which can be a severe crippling pain running from your buttocks to your ankles. 

You’ve had the recommended conservative treatments, including epidural injections and physical therapy, and you’re still having significant problems. The pain may make it difficult for you to get to sleep at night. Chronic pain can cause cognitive problems in addition to psychological difficulties, including depression and anxiety. With today’s modern medicine, you don’t have to suffer from unrelenting pain.  

The caring staff at Apollo Pain Management are the experts you want to see if you have chronic pain from lumbar spinal stenosis or a similar diagnosis that involves spinal disc compression. You may be a candidate for the MILD procedure, or minimally invasive lumbar decompression. It’s an outpatient procedure that’s a great alternative if you don’t want to or have to undergo a laminectomy and more invasive surgery. 

What happens during the MILD procedure? 

During the MILD procedure, your doctor uses X-ray guidance while he trims excess bone growth and tissue that has gotten in the way in your spinal canal, narrowing the passageway and compressing the nerves. He inserts a thin tube in the opening to move your muscles out of the way to avoid cutting through them. This way he can see the area without having to make a large incision. 

An advantage of MILD for many patients: You don’t have to undergo general anesthesia like you would for other back operations. No stitches are involved. The incision is as tiny as a baby aspirin. 

The MILD procedure is an outpatient procedure that takes about one hour. Most people don’t have to be hospitalized overnight. 

Is the MILD procedure safe? 

The MILD procedure is safe. It’s been clinically tested with excellent results and has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Medicare reimburses for the procedure. Two interventional radiologists developed the operation in 2005 to treat patients who could not undergo regular spine surgery. Thousands of people have undergone MILD. 

What is the success rate of MILD?

Studies on MILD report an 80 percent success rate, meaning patient pain is significantly reduced, and mobility is improved. Most people can resume normal activities within a day or two; your Apollo Pain Management staff provides post-procedure instructions. 

Call Apollo Pain Management in Sun City Center, Florida, or complete the online form to request an appointment. Our staff coordinates with your referring physician. You don’t have to live with chronic pain. We’re your partner in pain management.