What Is the MILD® Procedure?
The MILD® procedure which stands for Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression is an advanced, non-surgical treatment specifically designed to relieve the pain and mobility limitations caused by lumbar spinal stenosis.
Lumbar spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows most commonly due to a thickening of the ligamentum flavum, the ligament that runs along the back of the spinal canal. As this ligament thickens over time, it compresses the spinal nerves and causes lower back pain, leg pain, numbness, and difficulty standing or walking for extended periods.
The MILD® procedure spine treatment gently removes small portions of this excess ligament tissue through a tiny incision, creating more space inside the spinal canal and relieving pressure on the affected nerves. Because it doesn’t require large cuts, implants, or general anesthesia, it offers a dramatically faster and more comfortable recovery than traditional spinal surgery.
At Vascura, the MILD® procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under real-time image guidance, ensuring precision, safety, and consistent results for patients across all three of our New Jersey locations.
How Does the MILD® Procedure Work?
The MILD procedure of spinal stenosis operates by not only treating the symptoms but also treating the cause of the compression of the nerve. Here’s how:
The lower back is cut very minimally. Dr. Babus then removes, using specialized and thin instruments and real-time fluoroscopic imaging, tiny portions of the thickened ligament tissue that is constricting the spinal canal. This provides more space to allow the compressed spinal nerves to work normally, alleviates pain, aids in walking, and restores mobility.
Recovery is much faster and more comfortable than using traditional decompression surgery because the surrounding bones, muscles, and other structures of the spine are not in any way disturbed.
The whole process of minimally invasive lumbar decompression is done in-office under local anesthesia or mild sedation, with the majority of patients going home on the same day. The MILD® procedure is always preferred by patients in Clifton, Kearny, and the rest of the New Jersey communities due to the positive impact on their lives through meaningful and lasting relief with minimum disruption.
Conditions Treated with the MILD® Procedure
The MILD® Procedure is designed to treat pain and mobility issues caused by lumbar spinal stenosis a common condition that puts pressure on the spinal nerves. At Vascura Pain and Vein Clinic, we offer this advanced, minimally invasive treatment to help reduce pain and improve walking ability without the need for traditional surgery.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
The primary condition treated by the MILD® procedure. Narrowing of the lumbar spinal canal compresses the nerves causing lower back pain, leg pain, numbness, and reduced walking ability.
Age-Related Degenerative Spine Changes
Natural wear and tear over time can contribute to spinal narrowing and chronic lower back discomfort that responds well to minimally invasive decompression.
Neurogenic Claudication
One of the most common and debilitating symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis neurogenic claudication causes leg pain, heaviness, cramping, or weakness when standing or walking for extended periods. Sitting or leaning forward typically provides temporary relief.
Chronic Lower Back and Leg Pain
Patients who have tried medications, physical therapy, and epidural steroid injections without achieving lasting relief may be ideal candidates for the MILD® procedure. It's designed for those who need more than conservative care but want to avoid traditional surgery.
Patients across Kearny, Clifton, Hudson County, Passaic County, New Jersey, often choose nerve blocks when medications, therapy, or other conservative treatments no longer provide lasting relief.