MILD Procedure Produces Strong Results

Until recently, many patients suffering from lumbar spinal stenosis had limited options to deal with the pain that makes it difficult to stand and walk without pain. Our first line of defense was usually steroid injections to reduce the inflammation and pressure on sciatic nerves. When those injections failed to bring long-term relief, some patients felt they had no choice but to pursue major back surgery.

Thankfully, however, advances in a therapeutic procedure known as MILD (Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression) has given new hope to these patients. And the good news is that Medicare now covers the cost of this outpatient procedure, which is especially important since it is estimated that more than 20 percent of those over the age of 60 suffer from some degree of spinal stenosis.

MILD involves only a small incision under local anesthesia and takes less than an hour. There are no stitches, no difficult recovery from general anesthesia. I use fluoroscopic (x-ray) guidance to locate and remove small pieces of bone and excess ligament tissue to restore space in the spinal canal and decrease the compression of the nerves. Patients go home after a short observation period and are usually able to resume light activities within just days.

This procedure has been safely performed on thousands of patients and offers a very low risk of major complications. Studies indicate that 79 percent of those who undergo MILD experience a significant reduction in pain and a significant increase in mobility.

If you are suffering from pain in your lower extremities from spinal stenosis, please click on the following link to request an appointment. I can conduct a thorough physical exam and order any necessary imaging studies to see if you are a candidate for MILD.

My extensive knowledge and experience in the field of pain management enables me to offer my patients treatment options that they did not know existed or for which they assumed they were not candidates. Don’t live in pain any longer than you need to. I welcome the opportunity to help you.