The Southeastern Spine Institute

If you didn’t think that you’d ever be able to stand for long periods of time or walk without being in pain, there’s good news. These are absolutely achievable goals with an innovative non-surgical option called Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD).

MILD is a proven method of improving mobility and reducing pain. If you have lumbar spinal stenosis, you’re no stranger to pain. This innovative outpatient procedure holds many advantages over other more invasive types of back surgery to treat your constant discomfort.

It’s a Good Alternative to Back Surgery

What makes the MILD procedure such an attractive, early surgical option is that there are no implants involved. This means that if you eventually require additional operations, you’re not limited in any way by a previous MILD procedure. If you didn’t respond well to steroid injection therapy, this non-invasive back surgery is especially beneficial.

Not everybody responds well to having a corticosteroid injected. These injections only last so long and merely serve as a mask to your discomfort. And injections repeated over an extended period of time can weaken nearby bones and connective tissue. The MILD procedure actually treats the cause of conditions such as lumbar spinal stenosis instead of simply masking the symptoms.

Why It’s Effective

Using state of the art, guided technology through a tiny incision, your highly skilled Southeastern Spine Institute (SSI) specialist removes any excess ligament tissue or small bone pieces. These tiny pieces of bone and tissue can cause you serious pain and discomfort when they compress your spinal nerves. The MILD procedure restores the space inside your spinal canal, which is the reason it so drastically reduces pain and improves mobility.

The goal of lumbar spinal stenosis treatment in most forms is restoring the space in your spine. This relieves the pressure on your spinal cord and nerve roots. The MILD procedure accomplishes this with minimal discomfort and fewer risks than traditional back surgery. Since it’s performed under local anesthesia, you likely will return home on the same day. And it’s possible to resume many everyday activities in just a few days!

Be Aware of Your Options

More invasive procedures have more risks such as:

  • Infection
  • Tears in the membrane that covers your spinal cord
  • Blood clots
  • Neurological deterioration

In some extreme cases, your condition may not be improved by these procedures and may possibly worsen. Other types of back surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis such as laminectomy and laminoplasty are more invasive and may involve metal implants. And laminectomy involves carving a hole to relieve pressure. These generally lead to considerably longer down time and involve more rehabilitation.

You Can Get Better

Physical therapy is a major part of any type of back surgery, no matter how invasive, and has undeniable results. Your physical therapist provides you follow up with exercises that:

  • Rebuild endurance and strength
  • Improve balance
  • Increase stability and flexibility

Even though the amount of rehabilitative therapy you’ll need is drastically reduced with a MILD procedure, physical therapy remains a key component to improving your quality of life. It’s vital that the innovative MILD procedure be performed by a specially trained physician that is comfortable with the new technology. The specialists at SSI are among the best there are! A MILD procedure can in many cases eliminate the need for additional procedures and leave you with the hope of normal mobility and decrease your need for opioids.