The mild® Procedure is a safe, minimally invasive outpatient procedure for patients diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) caused by bone overgrowth or excess ligament tissue. It is a procedure designed to restore space in the spinal canal and decreases the compression of the nerves, reducing pain and restoring mobility. mild® is an early treatment option to consider if more conservative therapies, such as physical therapy or pain medications, are not providing adequate relief.

How the mild® Procedure Works

A mild® certified Michigan Pain Consultants physician, guided by an advanced imaging machine will use specialized tools inserted through a tiny incision in your back. Your physician uses these tools to go between the bones to remove bone fragments or scrape out the ligament to widen the spinal canal, reducing nerve root compression. The result is a reduction in pain and improved physical functioning and mobility

After the mild® Procedure

Once the mild® procedure is complete, 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 aftercare instructions and schedule any physical therapy and follow-up visits.

How Do I Know if mild® is Right for Me?

  • Do you experience pain or numbness in your lower back when standing upright?
  • Do you experience pain, numbness, or tingling in your legs or buttocks when you walk?
  • Is your discomfort relieved when you bend forward at the waist or sit down?

If you experience any of the above symptoms and your doctor determines you have LSS caused by excess ligament, then the mild® procedure may be a safe and effective treatment for you. 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.