You’ve had chronic pain in your lower back that hasn’t resolved in months. Tests reveal that you have lumbar (lower back) spinal stenosis (LSS). Stenosis means your spinal canal has narrowed, putting pressure on your spinal nerves. 

The following symptoms characterize LSS: 

• Numbness or tingling in the foot or leg
• Weakness in the foot or leg
• Pain or cramps in one or both legs when standing for long periods or when walking
• Lower back pain

Prior to the procedure, your physician will confirm your condition with an MRI or a CT scan of your lower back and find the areas that are too narrow in your spinal canal, which are likely causing your symptoms.

During the procedure, your physician uses an imaging machine to view your spine and identify the appropriate location for the procedure. He makes a tiny incision, smaller than baby aspirin, at the site of the stenosis. Using delicate instruments, he extracts tiny bits of bone and surplus ligament tissue and then closes the incision. 

The procedure is minimally invasive and only takes about an hour. It takes place in an outpatient setting and in almost all cases, you may go home the same day of the procedure. 

The MILD procedure has many advantages over other options for chronic lower back pain. 

Using MILD, your doctor makes a very small incision, causing no huge scars. Because it’s minimally invasive, recovery is much quicker than with regular surgery. 

The MILD procedure is not experimental; it’s a safe procedure. Thousands of patients have had successful MILD surgery. 

There are risks associated with general anesthesia. You don’t need it for the MILD procedure. 

You should be able to resume normal daily activities in a few days. Refrain from heavy lifting or rigorous activities until your doctor gives you the ok with written instructions to follow.

You should feel relief once you’ve recovered from the procedure. If your spinal nerves could talk, they’d be breathing a sigh of relief and saying ‘thank you.’ Your nerves once again have the proper amount of space between them and your bones, ligaments, and discs. 

Your Spinal Diagnostics physician performs a thorough examination, reviews your medical history, and uses appropriate tests to determine the extent of your stenosis. Some individuals may not be candidates for the MILD procedure if the stenosis is severe. Your doctor will help you decide which treatments are best for you.

Call Spinal Diagnostics for the most advanced spinal treatment available today. We’re here to help relieve your chronic pain and restore your quality of life.