Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD procedure)

Is lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) something you deal with? If so, you are likely to be experiencing pain or numbness in your lower back when standing, as well as pain, numbness, heaviness, or tingling in your upper legs or buttocks when walking. Additionally, you may be experiencing pain while sleeping.

What is LSS?

A condition in which the spinal nerves in the lower back are compressed and the lower spinal canal narrows. This compression can lead to mobility issues and pain, which is best illustrated as a "kink in a drinking straw."

What is the prevalence of LSS?

• Annually, more than two million patients with LSS are diagnosed and treated throughout the United States.
• Typically observed in individuals over the age of 50.
• The probability of developing LSS increases with aging.
• Approximately 20% of patients aged 60 and older in the United States have lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).

What are the causes of LSS?

A variety of factors can contribute to the narrowing of the spinal canal and the pressure exerted on the spinal nerves as a result of the natural wear and tear on the spine as individuals age:
• Ligament tissue thickening.
• The overgrowth of bone characterizes osteoarthritis.
• Bulging of discs.

Symptoms of LSS:

• Pain with standing: standing causes pain or numbness in the lower back.
• Pain with walking: walking may result in tingling, heaviness, paralysis, or pain in the upper legs or buttocks.
• Pain with sleeping: pain that may be alleviated by curling into the fetal position when resting.
• Relief during sitting or bending forward: Temporary relief is experienced when one bends forward while seated or standing, as the spinal cord is relieved of pressure and the spinal canal is opened. Also, common behaviors include utilizing a cane or walker, leaning over a purchasing cart, or locating a chair can decrease the pain intensity.

However, there are alternative methods to alleviate your pain. If your current treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is not providing you with sufficient alleviation, you may wish to consider minimally invasive lumbar decompression as your next step.
Dr. Abraham, board-certified anesthesiologist and pain management specialist, will evaluate your condition to determine MILD procedure eligibility, considering factors such as symptom severity, imaging results, and response to conservative treatments. Multiple positive MILD procedure reviews distinguish him.
Dr. Abraham will explain the expected MILD procedure cost, which varies depending on insurance coverage, facility fees, and individual treatment plans.

What is minimally invasive lumbar decompression?

It is a minimally invasive spine surgery and an outpatient procedure that alleviates spinal pressure. Dr. Abraham employs specialized tools and imaging equipment to remove tiny pieces of bone and thickened ligaments to restore space in the spinal canal and reduce the compression of the nerves.

What distinguishes the MILD procedure from other pain management methods?

MILD procedure is a minimally invasive back surgery, typically a single-time procedure, that may offer enduring relief for leg and back pain associated with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), in contrast to the majority of pain management therapies that require frequent reapplication. Conservative treatments, including chiropractic care, physical therapy, or pain medication, may be the initial approach. Although these treatments have strong safety characteristics, they are occasionally temporary and may not be effective for all individuals.
An epidural steroid injection (ESI) is an additional treatment option that your physician may suggest. These injections typically provide temporary alleviation, but they do not address the underlying cause of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). The accumulation and thickening of ligaments that compress the nerve are responsible for up to 85% of spinal canal narrowing. Space must be restored by thinning the ligament to achieve effective treatment. Consequently, the pain may be temporarily alleviated by repetitive ESIs, which may only serve to postpone patient care.
On the other hand, MILD lumbar spine decompression alleviates the pressure on the spinal nerves. It exhibits a safety profile that is comparable to that of epidural steroid injections (ESIs), but with more enduring effects. In reality, the MILD procedure exhibited exceptional long-term durability, resulting in substantial enhancements in both mobility and pain over the course of two years.

Mild procedure vs traditional surgery:

• The MILD lumbar decompression is distinct from conventional back surgery in that it is an outpatient procedure that does not necessitate general anesthesia, implants, sutures, steroids, or opioids.
• Using only local anesthetic and light sedation, MILD can be performed through a single, tiny incision and is typically completed in less than an hour. This technique improves the lumbar decompression recovery period as the MILD procedure recovery time is quick.
• The procedure does not leave any implants behind, and there are no MILD procedure risks.
• The spinal stenosis MILD procedure typically allows patients to resume normal activity without any restrictions within 24 hours, an advantage that is not observed in traditional back surgery.
• MILD does not exclude future treatment options or lumbar decompression alternatives for back pain, unlike other more invasive treatments, such as spacer implants, fusion, or traditional back surgery. Conservative and more invasive therapies are both available if symptoms persist or evolve.
• MILD spinal decompression successfully decompresses the spinal canal by removing small portions of lamina and hypertrophic ligamentum flavum, preserving the structural stability of the spine, in contrast to some of the more invasive alternatives, such as laminectomy surgery.

Is the minimally invasive lumbar decompression procedure effective?

Published clinical data show a high MILD procedure success rate, with most patients reporting long-term relief and improved mobility. In multiple studies, MILD procedure outcomes included:
• Increase standing time from eight minutes to 56 minutes with less pain.
• Increase average walking distance from 246 feet to 3,956 feet after participating in the MILD Procedure.
• Provide patients with pain relief and increased mobility.
• Prevent back surgery for at least 5 years for 88% of patients.
• Comparable safety of MILD procedure to that of an epidural steroid injection, but with long-lasting results.
Minimally invasive lumbar decompression is a minimally invasive procedure that has the potential to offer you MILD procedure benefits with long-term relief, with a MILD procedure complications rate less than 0.1% and over 30,000 cases of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) treated.

If lumbar spinal stenosis limits your daily life, Dr. Abraham, board-certified anesthesiologist and pain management specialist at New England Advanced Spine and Pain Center for regenerative medicine, can help. Schedule a consultation today to discuss whether the MILD procedure is right for you and start your path toward lasting relief and improved mobility.