Written by Nevada Advanced Pain Specialists staff
Do you find yourself leaning over to reduce the pain in your lower back? You may be one of the millions of people nationwide suffering from Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS). This condition may cause lower extremity numbness, tingling, and/or pain which can dramatically limit mobility.
How does the condition come about? In a healthy spinal canal, there is ample space for the nerves to traverse the canal without being restricted or pinched. As we age, everyday activities can cause the spinal canal to narrow due to bulging discs, bone overgrowth, and thickening of spinal ligaments. This narrowing is called Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS). When stenosis occurs, there is not enough space for the nerves to traverse the spinal canal. As the canal narrows, the nerves become restricted or pinched which leads to numbness, tingling, and/or pain.
Mild® is a safe procedure that can help patients with LSS. Mild® will help patients stand longer and walk farther with less pain. It is a short outpatient procedure performed through a very small incision which requires no general anesthesia, no implants, and no stitches. Studies show that 79% of patients experience a significant reduction in pain and significant increase in mobility. In addition, the Mild® procedure has been proven to have a very low risk of major complications. Unlike other LSS treatments, Mild® is the only procedure that removes the problem and leaves nothing behind.
The Mild® procedure has been safely performed on thousands of patients. You’ll begin by laying on your belly and having the area that needs to be treated anesthetized. Your doctor will make a very small incision and will use an imaging machine combined with specialized tools to remove small pieces of bone and excess ligament tissue. Removing these elements restores space in the spinal canal and decreases the compression of the nerves, which reduces pain and restores mobility. Some doctors have described the goal of the procedure as being similar to removing a kink in a drinking straw.
After the Mild® procedure, patients are able to return home the same day. They are generally able to resume light tasks and everyday activities within just a few days. Your doctor will provide complete instructions on what to do immediately following the procedure and schedule any necessary follow-up visits or suggested rehabilitation.
