Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD)
A same-day outpatient procedure for lumbar spinal stenosis that restores space in the spinal canal without implants, bone removal, or an extended recovery.
Who This May Help
MILD may be an option if you have lumbar spinal stenosis that has not responded to physical therapy, medications, or spinal injections. It is particularly suited for patients who experience cramping, heaviness, or pain in the legs that comes on when walking or standing — and eases when you sit down or lean forward. This symptom pattern, known as neurogenic claudication, is a hallmark of lumbar stenosis caused by excess ligament tissue narrowing the spinal canal.
A consultation with our clinical team will determine whether you are a candidate.
How the MILD Procedure Works
In lumbar spinal stenosis, the ligamentum flavum — a band of tissue that runs along the back of the spinal canal — can thicken over time and press against the nerves running through that space. The MILD procedure uses specialized instruments, inserted through a small incision of less than 1 cm, to remove small amounts of this excess ligament tissue. By reducing the tissue compressing the nerves, the procedure restores room in the canal and relieves the pressure causing pain.
No bone is removed, no disc is touched, and no implants are placed. MILD is a same-day outpatient procedure — patients go home the same day with minimal downtime compared to traditional decompression surgery.
What to Expect After the Procedure
Most patients are able to resume normal daily activities within 24 hours. Some post-procedure soreness at the incision site is expected and typically resolves within a few days. Because MILD does not involve the disruption of bone or major tissue structures, recovery is considerably shorter than traditional lumbar surgery.
Pain relief often begins within the first few weeks, with continued improvement over the following one to three months. Patients frequently report a meaningful increase in how far they can walk and how long they can stand comfortably without symptoms returning.
Schedule a Consultation
A consultation is the right starting point. Our clinical team will review your history and determine the most appropriate path forward.