Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD)

What is minimally invasive lumbar decompression?

Minimally invasive lumbar decompression (MILD) is a minimally invasive procedure that treats spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) in the lower back. 

It’s an effective way to reduce or relieve back pain caused by lumbar spinal stenosis, a condition that affects more than 200,000 US adults. 

Who is a candidate for minimally invasive lumbar decompression?

You may be a candidate for MILD if you’ve been diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis, and your symptoms don’t respond to traditional back pain treatments, such as:

• Medication
• Physical therapy
• Activity changes
• Therapeutic injections

That’s especially true if your back pain persists or worsens despite these measures and affects your mobility or quality of life. 

After reviewing your health history, asking about your symptoms, and completing an exam and diagnostic imaging, your Glaser Pain Relief provider can determine whether you qualify for treatment. 

Older people are often good candidates because they tend to have multiple medical conditions that can increase the risk of surgical complications. Since MILD is minimally invasive, it offers a safer alternative.

What happens during a MILD procedure?

The providers at Glaser Pain Relief typically perform MILD on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home on the same day of treatment. 

MILD usually takes about an hour to complete. On the day of your procedure, you change into a gown and lie face down on an operating table. Once you’re in position, your provider administers a local anesthetic to numb your lower back.

Once the anesthetic sets in, your provider inserts a needle into your lower back and injects a contrast dye into the epidural space around your spine. The dye lets your provider see your spine with X-ray imaging, allowing them to pinpoint the compressed area causing your pain.

Next, your provider makes a small incision in your lower back and inserts a small tube through it. They then insert small surgical tools through the tube and remove bone, ligament, and any other tissues compressing your spinal nerves. Your provider completes the same process on both sides of your spine, ensuring your spinal canal is fully decompressed.

If X-ray imaging shows the contrast fluid flowing freely on both sides, the procedure is complete. Your provider removes the surgical tools, closes your incision, and moves you to a recovery room. It takes several hours for the anesthetic to wear off, so you’ll need someone to drive you home.

What is recovery like after MILD?

After MILD, it’s normal to experience swelling, bruising, and pain at the incision site. 

Most people return to work and other activities a few days following the procedure. However, you must avoid heavy lifting and other strenuous activities and take any medication as prescribed. 

Your Glaser Pain Relief provider monitors your recovery at regular checkups and adjusts your treatment plan as needed. Most people fully recover about a month after undergoing the procedure.

To see if you can benefit from minimally invasive lumbar decompression (MILD), make an appointment at Glaser Pain Relief today. Call the office or book your visit online.