Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD)
If you’re struggling with lower back and leg pain caused by lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), you know how disruptive it can be. Walking even short distances, standing for more than a few minutes, or performing everyday tasks may now feel impossible. You may have tried physical therapy, pain medications, or injections—only to find that the relief was temporary or incomplete.
At Desert Spine and Sports Physicians, we see the toll this condition takes not just on your body, but on your life. That’s why we offer the Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD) Procedure—a proven, outpatient treatment designed to relieve pressure on spinal nerves without the risks of traditional open surgery.
What is Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression?
The MILD Procedure is a cutting-edge, image-guided technique that relieves pressure on the spinal nerves caused by lumbar spinal stenosis. Using a small incision—just a few millimeters wide—your physician removes tiny portions of thickened ligament tissue compressing the nerves in the spinal canal.
Unlike traditional decompression surgery, MILD does not involve general anesthesia, large incisions, or the removal of bone or muscle. The result is pain relief with less risk, less downtime, and no implants.
The Benefits of MILD
The MILD Procedure stands apart from other spinal surgeries by offering a highly targeted approach to decompression with minimal tissue disruption. It’s a great option for patients who are not ready or eligible for more invasive surgery—or who simply want to avoid it.
Some other benefits of the MILD Procedure include:
- Minimally invasive: Tiny incision with no need for stitches or general anesthesia
- Outpatient procedure: Done in under an hour with same-day discharge
- No structural disruption: Muscles and bones are preserved, reducing complications
- Fast recovery: Most patients resume light activity within days
- Reduced need for medications: Many patients experience significant relief without relying on pain medications
- Durable results: Clinical studies show sustained pain relief and improved mobility for many patients
Conditions Commonly Treated by Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression
The MILD Procedure is specifically designed to treat symptoms caused by lumbar spinal stenosis—a condition in which the spinal canal narrows, placing pressure on the nerves in the lower back.
More specifically, this procedure is effective for patients with:
- Thickened ligamentum flavum contributing to spinal canal narrowing
- Neurogenic claudication (pain in the legs while standing or walking)
- Chronic lower back pain and leg pain from LSS
What to Expect During a MILD Procedure
The MILD Procedure is typically performed in an outpatient setting using local anesthesia and light sedation. A small incision is made in the lower back, through which a specialized tool is inserted to remove excess ligament tissue causing nerve compression.
The entire procedure is guided by real-time fluoroscopic (x-ray) imaging, ensuring precision and safety. Most patients are up and walking shortly after and can return home the same day.
MILD Recovery Timeline
Recovery from the MILD Procedure is typically very quick. Patients are encouraged to walk and move shortly after the procedure and can usually resume light activities within 24–48 hours.
Many experience a noticeable reduction in leg and lower back pain within days or weeks, with continued improvement over time. Because the procedure does not require cutting bone or muscle, the risk of complications and recovery delays is low.
You may return to your normal activities following the procedure, including returning to work.
Who is a Candidate?
You may be a candidate for the MILD Procedure if:
- You have been diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis
- Imaging shows thickened ligamentum flavum contributing to nerve compression
- You experience pain, tingling, or weakness in your lower back or legs when walking or standing
- Conservative treatments (e.g., physical therapy, medications, injections) haven’t provided long-lasting relief
- You want to avoid or are not a candidate for open spine surgery
If this sounds like you, our board-certified specialists at Desert Spine and Sports Physicians are ready to evaluate your condition and help determine if MILD is the right next step on your path to relief.
Get the Relief You’ve Been Seeking — Contact Us Today
If you’re living with ongoing pain, numbness, or limited mobility from lumbar spinal stenosis, you don’t have to settle for a life of discomfort. The MILD Procedure offers a safe, effective, and minimally invasive solution to help you move more freely and live more fully.
Schedule a consultation with one of our physiatrists at Desert Spine and Sports Physicians at one of our six convenient locations today—and take the first step toward lasting relief.