.png)
The mild® Procedure
mild® is a safe procedure that can help patients diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) stand longer and walk farther with less pain.1 It is a short, outpatient procedure, performed through a very small incision (about the size of a baby aspirin) that requires no general anesthesia, no implants, and no stitches. Study data show that 79% of patients experience a significant reduction in pain and significant increase in mobility.2 In addition, the mild®procedure has been proven to have a very low risk of major complications.3
How mild® Works
The mild® procedure has been performed safely on thousands of patients. A doctor who is certified to perform mild® will use an imaging machine and specialized tools to remove small pieces of bone and excess ligament tissue through a tiny incision in your back. Removing these elements restores space in the spinal canal and decreases the compression of the nerves, which reduces pain and restores mobility. Some doctors have described the goal of the procedure as being similar to “removing a kink in a drinking straw.”
What You Can Expect With mild®?
-
Outpatient procedure, typically performed in less than 1 hour
-
Able to resume light activities within just days
-
Requires:
-
No general anesthesia
-
No implants
-
No stitches
-
After the mild® Procedure
After the mild® procedure, most patients are able to return home the same day and are generally able to resume light tasks and everyday activities within just a few days. Your doctor will provide complete instructions on what to do immediately following the procedure and schedule any necessary follow-up visits or suggested rehabilitation.
Some patients that are candidates for open surgical decompression may not be candidates for the mild® procedure due to the severity of their condition. Talk to your doctor about what treatment option is best for you. Since mild® does not change the structural stability of the spine, open surgery can be performed after mild® if necessary.
Pre-op Instructions
1. No eating or drinking for 8 hours prior to the scheduled procedure time
2. Take all your usual medicines, including pain medicines on the morning of the procedure with water. THE EXCEPTION IS BLOOD THINNERS. ASK ABOUT WHAT YOU SHOULD DO SPECIFICALLY FROM OUR OFFICE.
3. You will be sent to “pre procedure testing” with our internal medicine doctor to make sure all your body systems are healthy enough to have the procedure. The doctor will order testing.
Post-op Instructions
-
Have a “lazy” day on the day of the procedure. You may have moderate to intense back pain. Take your pain medicines as prescribed.
-
For the next 7 days you will have back soreness, ice packs are recommended.
-
The time OFF work will vary for different people. Ask your doctor.
-
You may shower or bath the morning after your procedure.
-
The bandage is just to collect any fluid or blood that may leak. Feel free to remove it once no drainage occurs.
-
You may drive after 3 days, if you feel ok to do so. Please exercise judgment – if you are not stable, ask your doctor first and do not drive.
-
Make sure you make an appointment to see our office in 7-10 days for suture removal and wound check.
back and neck pain relief