Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD)

Minimally Invasive Spine Therapies services offered in Dyer, IN

Advancements in surgical technology allow surgeons to treat spinal damage without causing unnecessary trauma to surrounding tissue. Midwest Innovative Pain Management provides cutting-edge, minimally invasive spine therapies like mild®. Maher Fattouh, MD, and Anastasia Yorkman, NP, also provide personalized pain management plans to help you recover comfortably and get back to your usual routine quickly. Call the office in Dyer, Indiana, to learn more about the available minimally invasive therapies or book an appointment online today.

Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD) Q & A

What is MILD?

MILD is a small, outpatient procedure used to treat lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) — a condition where the space around the spinal nerves becomes too narrow, causing leg pain, numbness, or difficulty walking.

Instead of major surgery, MILD uses tiny instruments to remove the extra tissue that’s crowding the spinal canal.

The highly skilled pain management specialists are trained in the latest techniques to restore spine health and improve quality of life.

Why lumbar stenosis happens?

In many people, the ligament inside the spine (the ligamentum flavum) becomes thickened with age. This thick ligament presses on the nerves and reduces space, leading to symptoms like:

Back or leg pain when walking
Cramping
Numbness
Needing to lean forward to walk comfortably

How does the MILD procedure work?

Here’s the general idea in simple terms:

A tiny incision (about the size of a baby aspirin) is made in the lower back.
Under X-ray guidance, a small tool is inserted to access the tight area.
The doctor shaves away small pieces of the thickened ligament, relieving the pressure on the nerves.
No stitches are usually needed, and the bones and major structures are left intact.

It’s similar to “opening up the doorway” in the spine so nerves have more room.

What are the benefits of MILD?

Minimally invasive (no hardware or implants)
Performed through a very small incision
Typically done with light sedation
Outpatient — patients often go home the same day
Low complication rate
Can improve walking ability and reduce leg/back pain

Call Midwest Innovative Pain Management to learn more about the minimally invasive lumbar decompression. You can also book an appointment online today.