Lumbar spine stenosis, or LSS, is a very common condition marked by the narrowing of the spinal canal. This narrowing could lead to the compression of nerves and the spinal cord, resulting in pain, numbness, weakness, and difficulty in walking. In addition to medication, physical treatment, and surgery as traditional treatments, a procedure known as Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression, also called MILD, is a less-invasive alternative that can provide relief for LSS patients. We will describe the MILD treatment, how it is performed, and its advantages for patients suffering from lumbar vertebral stenosis.

Understanding Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

The spinal canal narrows, causing pressure on the spinal cord and lower back nerves. This narrowing can occur due to many different factors. Age-related changes include the thickening or formation of bone spurs. Degenerative conditions, including arthritis and disc ruptures, may also cause this narrowing. As the spinal canal narrows, it can cause nerve compression, which may lead to symptoms like:

  • A pain or discomfort in your lower back, buttocks (or legs), or lower back
  • The legs or feet may feel numb, tingly, or weak.
  • Difficulty standing up or walking for extended periods
  • A severe case of bladder or intestinal control loss

The Workings Of The MILD Procedure

The Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression, or MILD procedure, is designed to treat the symptoms associated with lumbar spinal decompression by relieving the pressure placed on the nerves of the lower back. MILD, unlike traditional open procedures, is performed with a less invasive technique. This means that there are fewer tissue injuries, reduced pain and quicker recovery.

Patients are placed under local or mild anesthesia during MILD procedures to ensure that they remain comfortable throughout. Using fluoroscopic assistance, an interventional radiologist or spine specialist inserts a thin tube known as a cannula. Through the cannula, a physician inserts specialized tools, such as a drill and a small cutting device that’s small, to remove excess bones and tissue causing nerve pressure.

The MILD procedure at advanced spine and pain has the goal of creating more space inside the spinal canal to relieve pressure on the nervous system and restore proper alignment. MILD is a procedure that decompresses affected areas of the spine. It can reduce pain, improve mobility, as well as enhance quality-of-life for those with lumbar vertebral stenosis.

Benefits Associated With The MILD Procedure

MILD provides several benefits for patients who have lumbar stenosis.

  1. Minimally Invasive: The MILD procedure, unlike traditional open surgery that involves large incisions causing extensive tissue damage and trauma, is performed with small incisions utilizing specialized instruments. This leads to less trauma for the surrounding tissues, as well as a quicker recovery.
  2. Effective Relief: The MILD procedure provides effective relief from symptoms of lumbar stenosis. This is achieved by decompressing your spinal canal and relieving the pressure on your nerves. Following the procedure, a considerable number of patients report an overall enhancement in their quality of life and mobility.
  3. Outpatient Procedure: The MILD Procedure can often be performed as an Outpatient procedure. Patients are able to return the same day home and resume their normal daily activities.
  4. Minimal downtime: Recovery after MILD is typically faster and less painful than with open surgery. Many patients are able to return to light activity within just a few hours and can resume full activities within only a few weeks.
  5. Preservation of Spinal Anatomy: Unlike some surgical procedures for lumbar spinal stenosis, which may involve the removal of spinal structures such as bone and ligaments, the MILD procedure is designed to preserve the natural anatomy of the spine while effectively addressing the underlying cause of the condition.

Conclusion

The Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression, or MILD, procedure is an effective, safe and minimally surgical solution for patients who have lumbar stenosis. MILD reduces lower back pain by relieving nerve pressure. This procedure also improves mobility and quality of life. MILD, a minimally invasive procedure for spine surgery, continues to offer hope and relief in treating lumbar stenosis.