The physicians at Spine Center & Orthopedic Rehabilitation of Englewood are certified providers of the mild® procedure, a Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression procedure which helps to treat symptoms due to lumbar spinal stenosis. If you have been told you have spinal stenosis, have tried epidural steroid injections and physical therapy without sufficient relief, and don’t want or cannot undergo major surgery, you may benefit from the mild® procedure. Call today at 201-503-1900 or schedule an appointment online and see if you are a candidate
What is Lumbar spinal stenosis?
Lumbar spinal stenosis is a common condition referring to narrowing of the spinal canal which contains the spinal cord and nerves. Narrowing can be caused by disc bulges or herniations, arthritic changes in the nearby facet joints, and/or thickening of ligaments. When there is less room in the spinal canal, one can develop symptoms.
What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis?
They include back pain, radiating pain, weakness, heaviness, or numbness and tingling in the legs. Symptoms are worse with standing or walking, as the canal narrows in that position. Patients often lean forward or sit down to relieve symtpoms, a position that helps to open up the spinal canal. Their symptoms usually subside temporarily and return when they resume walking or standing.
What is the mild® procedure?
It is a minimally invasive procedure indicated for patient who have spinal stenosis due to thickening of a ligament in their spinal column. A patient is selected for this procedure based on their symptoms, physical exam and MRI findings. The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia or with light sedation in a surgical center or hospital as an out-patient procedure. It is performed in less than an hour and patients can return to normal activity within a few days. This treatment is FDA approved and can only be performed by a doctor who is trained and certified to do the procedure.
How does it work?
A very small incision is made to allow access for the special mild® instruments. Under x-ray guidance, these tools are directed to the overgrown ligament and used to remove excess tissue. This helps to restore space within the spinal canal leading to reduced symptoms.
Why should I consider the mild® procedure?
Physical therapy, exercise, acupuncture and epidural steroid injections are excellent tools to manage stenosis. However, if they provide temporary relief or have stopped working, you now have options other than major spinal surgery. This procedure has the same safety profile as an epidural injection and is FDA approved. Studies have shown that patients who undergo the procedure have been walking farther and standing longer with less pain.
Do you qualify?
If you suffer from spinal stenosis, make an appointment to see if you are a candidate! Talk to an expert to find out. If you find yourself near the New Jersey and Manhattan area, we welcome you to call us at or you can book an appointment online. We look forward to helping you make the right decision for your health.
