What Is the MILD® Procedure? How a 30-Minute Treatment Relieves Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Without Surge

Do you feel leg pain, heaviness, or cramping when you stand or walk? If these symptoms improve when you sit or lean forward, you may have lumbar spinal stenosis. This condition occurs when the spinal canal narrows and pinches the nerves in your lower back.

At Garden State Pain & Orthopedics, Dr. Neil Sinha and our experienced team offer advanced, minimally invasive options to help you regain your mobility. We treat complex spinal conditions at our offices in Edison, Clifton, Hazlet, Jersey City, and West Orange, New Jersey. One minimally invasive option we offer is the MILD® procedure.

How does the MILD procedure work?

The MILD procedure stands for minimally invasive lumbar decompression. It is designed for certain people with lumbar spinal stenosis caused in part by a thickened ligament in the spinal canal. When this tissue takes up too much space, it can put pressure on nearby nerves and contribute to pain, heaviness, numbness, or weakness when you stand or walk.

During this outpatient procedure, your physician uses specialized instruments through a small opening in the back to remove portions of the thickened ligament. Creating more room in the spinal canal can reduce pressure on the affected nerves without implants or major open surgery.

Can MILD help you avoid major spine surgery?

For some people with lumbar spinal stenosis, MILD can provide a less invasive treatment option before considering open decompression surgery. It may be appropriate when symptoms interfere with walking or standing and treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections have not provided enough relief.

MILD is not right for every type of spinal stenosis. At Garden State Pain & Orthopedics, we review your symptoms, medical history, and imaging to determine what is contributing to the narrowing and whether this procedure fits your needs. If MILD is not the right option, we can discuss other treatments that may be more appropriate.

What should you expect during the treatment?

While some marketing materials call MILD a "30-minute treatment," it is important to understand the realistic timeline for your visit. The active tissue-sculpting phase is quick, but the full clinical encounter takes longer. The procedure typically takes about one hour to complete. Afterward, you’ll rest in a recovery room while your local anesthesia wears off.

Plan for a half-day outpatient visit and arrange a driver to take you home. We will also advise you to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities during your early recovery. Our team will provide a personalized recovery plan to ensure you heal safely.

You do not have to live with chronic leg and back pain. If you want to explore nonsurgical options for spinal stenosis, our team is here to help. To find out if you are a candidate for the MILD procedure, schedule a visit at one of our New Jersey locations today.