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Chronic lower back pain can make even simple movements difficult, especially when it’s caused by lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). The skilled specialists at Alliance Spine & Pain offer the minimally invasive lumbar decompression (MILD®) procedure to help patients find long-lasting relief when conservative treatments no longer work. MILD is an outpatient procedure that restores space in the spinal canal without stitches, implants, or lengthy downtime. To learn whether MILD is right for you, call one of the offices in Austell, Augusta, Woodstock, Atlanta, Marietta, Conyers, Lawrenceville, Jasper, Cartersville, Dallas, Suwanee, Covington, Carrollton, Canton, Sandy Springs, Douglasville, Peachtree City, or Roswell, Georgia, or reach out online.
What is the MILD® procedure?
The minimally invasive lumbar decompression (MILD®) procedure is an advanced, image-guided treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves caused by lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). LSS often occurs when the ligaments in the spine become thickened over time, reducing space in the spinal canal and contributing to chronic lower back and leg pain.
During the MILD procedure, your Alliance Spine & Pain provider uses specialized tools to remove small portions of excess ligament tissue through a tiny incision. By restoring natural space in the spinal canal, MILD reduces nerve compression and helps improve mobility, standing tolerance, and walking.
Who is a candidate for MILD?
You may benefit from the MILD procedure if you have been diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis and experience symptoms such as:
- Lower back pain that worsens with standing or walking
- Pain relieved by leaning forward (e.g., bending over a shopping cart)
- Numbness, tingling, or heaviness in the legs
- Limited mobility due to nerve compression
MILD is ideal for patients who have not achieved relief through medications, injections, or physical therapy but want to avoid invasive spine surgery.
What can I expect during the MILD procedure?
MILD is performed in an outpatient setting using fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance for accuracy and safety. Your provider creates a small incision, about the size of a baby aspirin, to gently remove thickened ligament tissue causing the stenosis. The procedure typically takes less than an hour, and most patients go home the same day.
Because MILD preserves the natural structure of the spine, recovery is generally quicker than traditional surgery. Patients often resume light activity within days, with continued improvement over several weeks.
What results does MILD provide?
Clinical studies show that MILD can significantly improve pain levels, standing time, and walking ability for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. Many patients experience sustained relief and improved function without the need for open surgery.
The experienced team at Alliance Spine & Pain is dedicated to helping you regain mobility and alleviate pain using safe, effective, and minimally invasive techniques. Contact the nearest office or schedule an appointment online today to determine if MILD is the right solution for your back pain.