Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Management: Can the MILD® Procedure Deliver Lasting Relief?

Lumbar spinal stenosis is a common cause of lower back pain and leg pain, especially in adults over 50. It develops when the spinal canal in your lower back narrows, placing pressure on the spinal nerves. This compression can lead to symptoms such as back pain, numbness, or difficulty walking.

Over time, symptoms worsen, making everyday activities such as standing, walking, and grocery shopping more and more difficult. While treatment such as physical therapy, medications, and injections can provide relief, they don’t always address the underlying cause.

For some people, more advanced treatments are necessary to achieve lasting relief.

Our team of pain specialists at Alliance Spine & Pain Centers offers a range of treatment options for lumbar spinal stenosis, including minimally invasive lumbar decompression (MILD®). Here, learn what MILD is, how it can provide lasting relief, and if it might benefit you.

About lumbar spinal stenosis

This narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back irritates or compresses the spinal nerves. While some people are born with a naturally narrow spinal canal, the condition often develops from degenerative changes to the spine that happen with age.

Symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis may start gradually and worsen over time. Common symptoms include: 

• Dull, aching lower back pain
• Pain that radiates into your buttocks or legs
• Burning, tingling, or numbness in your legs
• Difficulty maintaining balance
• Trouble walking or standing for long periods
• Loss of bowel or bladder control

The narrowing may also pinch one of the sciatic nerve roots, sometimes causing sciatica, nerve pain that travels down the back of the leg. 

If you’re experiencing persistent or worsening lower back pain, an evaluation can help determine the cause and appropriate treatment. Diagnosis typically includes a review of symptoms, medical history, and imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans.

Traditional treatments for lumbar spinal stenosis

Our treatment approach varies by patient and depends on the severity of symptoms. However, most plans begin with medical interventions like pain medication, physical therapy, and spinal injections.

However, as symptoms worsen and affect your quality of life, you may benefit from surgical intervention. A traditional procedure, such as a laminectomy, removes part of the bone and thickened ligaments that contribute to the narrowing. In some cases, spinal fusion is needed to stabilize the spine.

Minimally invasive lumbar decompression (MILD) offers an alternative option for certain patients who want relief without undergoing open spine surgery.

What is the MILD procedure?

The MILD procedure involves removing small portions of thickened ligament tissue. 

We perform the procedure through tiny incisions, minimizing tissue damage, post-procedure pain, and recovery time. Because MILD doesn’t involve large incisions, hardware placement, or significant disruption to surrounding structures, it’s considered minimally invasive. 

MILD is typically an outpatient procedure performed by trained pain management specialists like us. We can treat multiple levels of the spine during the same procedure.

What to expect during recovery from MILD

Following MILD, recovery is generally quicker than traditional spine surgery. Most patients go home the same day.

Mild soreness and swelling are common at the treatment site, and you may need to modify your daily activities temporarily. However, many people resume light activities within a few days.

While you may experience some symptom relief early, it can take several weeks to months to experience the full benefits as inflammation decreases and mobility improves. Clinical studies suggest that many patients experience long-lasting symptom relief from the MILD procedure.

Is MILD right for your lumbar spinal stenosis?

The MILD procedure may make a good option if you have lumbar stenosis caused by ligament thickening and you haven’t found adequate relief from conservative care.

At Alliance Spine & Pain Centers, we conduct a comprehensive evaluation before making any treatment recommendations. If MILD is appropriate for your condition, we walk you through the benefits, risks, and expected outcomes so you can make an informed decision about your care.

Are you looking for a long-term solution for your lower back pain? We can help. 

Call us or request an appointment online. We have convenient offices in Augusta, Austell, Brookhaven, Canton, Carrollton, Cartersville, Conyers, Covington, Dallas, Dawsonville, Douglasville, Jasper, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Marietta, Peachtree City, Piedmont/Atlanta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Suwanee, and Woodstock, Georgia.