Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD)

Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD) procedure for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS) has become a widely used and efficient alternative for the management of chronic pain that is unresponsive to first line conservative therapies. The MILD procedure works by decreasing pain and increasing mobility while maintaining the structural integrity of the spine.

LSS is a condition that is due to natural wear and tear as people age, and can result from a number of contributing factors: bulging of a disk, hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum, and/or overgrowth of bone due to osteoarthritis. In LSS, the lower portion of the spinal canal narrows and causes nerve compression in the lower back. It’s best visualized as a kink in a drinking straw. When someone with LSS stands, walks or even sleeps, the spinal canal narrows even more, causing low back and leg pain that is temporarily relieved when bending forward sitting or standing, or curling up in a fetal position when sleeping.

Nonsurgical treatment for LSS includes NSAIDs, physical therapy and/or epidural steroid injections. These treatments are only effective in a small percentage of individuals. And when they do work, the effect is generally temporary, and the treatment may need to be repeated to gain relief. Patients with moderate to severe LSS may be candidates for the MILD procedure.

The MILD procedure is performed under anesthesia through a small incision. The surgeon uses a special sculpting tool that glides through a tiny portal, to go between the bones, scrape out the ligament and widen the spinal canal to reduce compression of the nerve roots. To assess positioning and guide with visualization throughout the procedure, a contrast material is injected into the epidural space. The recovery time is minimal as the bony architecture of the spine remains intact and spinal mechanics are not disrupted. Caliber Pain™ offers the MILD procedure as one of our treatment options for chronic pain due to LSS at our medical facility in New York City.

Is MILD Right for You?

Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD) for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS) has become a widely accepted form of therapy for chronic intractable neuropathic pain. However, decompression does not work for everyone. MILD procedure candidates usually have had chronic debilitating pain for several months and have tried other treatment options, including NSAIDs, physical therapy, and/or epidural steroid injections.

Candidates for MILD procedure:

• Conservative therapies have failed.
• You would not benefit from additional non-surgical treatments for LSS.
• You do not want further invasive surgery.
• You have no medical conditions that contraindicate treatment.

If other conservative treatments are no longer effective in controlling pain, Mild Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD) procedure may be an option. Contact Caliber Pain™ in Midtown Manhattan to schedule a consultation to discuss the MILD procedure and other pain management options.