Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression
Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression, often referred to as the MILD procedure, offers relief for patients suffering from lumbar spinal stenosis, a condition in which the spinal canal narrows and places pressure on the nerves. Because this narrowing can lead to pain, numbness, and difficulty walking, minimally invasive lumbar decompression focuses on increasing space around the affected nerves to reduce discomfort and improve function.
In many cases, this procedure is recommended when conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections have not provided adequate relief, or when a patient prefers a less invasive alternative to traditional surgery.
As part of the treatment process, our pain management specialists use advanced imaging and specialized instruments to gently remove small amounts of thickened ligament and other tissue that contribute to nerve compression. This helps restore space within the spinal canal, which can reduce pressure on the nerves and alleviate symptoms.
Additionally, minimally invasive lumbar decompression is typically performed through a small incision, and because it avoids large surgical cuts and extensive tissue disruption, many patients are able to go home the same day. For this reason, recovery tends to be quicker and less painful compared with traditional open spine surgery.
Furthermore, most individuals notice improvement in symptoms soon after the procedure, and many can return to normal activities within a few weeks, depending on their overall health and treatment plan.
This brief procedure is performed in the operating room and patients are expected to go home soon after the procedure is completed. It is a safe, clinically proven, and minimally invasive procedure that can drastically improve the functionality of the patients. To know if the MILD procedure is right for you, patients should show symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis, such as lower back pain that radiates down the legs, and show radiologic signs of spinal stenosis as well as ligamentum flavum hypertrophy (greater than 2.5mm).
Our physicians at Kansas Pain Management are trained to assess your spine under imaging guidance, and create a small incision in your back. This incision will help them remove pieces of bone and ligament that obstruct your spinal canal. This restores the spinal space, thereby decreasing the compression of the nerves, effectively eradicating the pain, and increasing mobility.
Who Might Benefit from This Treatment
Patients experiencing symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis — such as lower back pain, leg pain, numbness, or weakness that worsens with standing or walking — may be appropriate candidates for minimally invasive lumbar decompression. Our clinical team evaluates each patient’s medical history, symptoms, and imaging studies to determine whether this procedure is right for you.
What Conditions Does It Treat?
This procedure is primarily used for lumbar spinal stenosis, bulging or herniated disks or degenerative disc disease. Our double board-certified pain specialists are extremely skilled at diagnosing pain caused by these conditions, and effectively treating it with this procedure. Treatable conditions include:
- Ligamentum flavum hypertrophy
- Neurogenic claudication
- Herniated disc
Treatment Offered By Kansas Pain Management
Kansas Pain Management offers a comprehensive pain treatment plan that is tailored to each patient’s specific needs. The first step is a thorough evaluation, which includes a medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing, if necessary.
Treatment options may include medications, physical therapy, injections, or surgery, depending on the underlying cause of the pain.
With board-certified and fellowship-trained physicians, Kansas Pain Management is committed to providing the highest quality care for patients suffering from pain. You can book an appointment with us at Overland Park, Lawrence, Leavenworth/Lansing, Roeland Park, etc. We also serve nearby locations like Ottawa, Missouri, Topeka, Belton, Manhattan, Lee’s Summit, Johnson County & Kansas areas.