Experiencing pain in the lower back is quite common, especially for those suffering from spinal stenosis. This condition affects many people, especially older adults, and sometimes it seems that learning to live with it is the only option if you don’t want to go through major surgery. However, there is another path: minimally invasive lumbar decompression (MILD).
This procedure can relieve the root cause for all the symptoms that spinal stenosis causes. University Pain and Spine Center offers the treatment in New Jersey, and goes in depth about how MILD can be a game changer for you.
What Is Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression?
Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression —also called MILD— is a cutting-edge treatment alternative to help release nerves on the lower part of the spine. It aids with pain, and reverses the effects of neuralgia like muscle weakness or tingling on the connected areas.
The most common condition it helps treat is spinal stenosis: the narrowing of the space where the spinal cord travels from and out of the brain. Causes for the condition are mostly tied to aging, but anyone can develop it. Some conditions increase the possibility to have the need for a MILD procedure, such as:
- Osteoarthritis
- Bone spurts or overgrowths
- Thickened ligaments
Spinal nerve compression can also be a consequence of an injury when the lower back is compromised.
Learn more: Low Back Pain and Sports Injuries 5 common problems
Benefits and Advantages
The biggest difference between MILD and other surgical procedures is it’s minimally invasive nature. It doesn’t require any big incisions nor the opening of major structures. It’s all handled through a keyhole opening where all the tools go through.
According to a 2020 review study, MILD has very effective and safe results, showing lesser rates of infection and surgery related complications. The treatment allows for patients to go home after a short monitoring time with no need to stay overnight.
What to Expect During a MILD Procedure?
After a consultation with one of our doctors, you will be scheduled for your surgical appointment. MILD procedure doesn’t require complete sedation, but you will be given some relaxing medicine and your lower back will be numbed.
You should be laid face down wearing a surgically appropriate gown, and when the anesthetics take effect, your doctor will insert a needle with the help of a fluoroscope —a type of x-ray machine in real time— injecting contrast dye that helps show where exactly the compression is happening.
Afterwards, a small incision is made at the site of operation, and a hollow tube (known as portal) is slowly inserted until it reaches the structure that is restricting the nerves. When the location is confirmed, small surgical instruments are put through the portal and used to gently scrape away whatever bone growth is creating the compression. The debris is removed through the same means.
After sufficient room is made for the spinal canal, the tools are carefully removed, and stitches are not necessary, so only a small bandage is placed to keep the incision point closed. After a short period of monitoring to confirm everything went well, you can go home and continue your care out of the clinic.
Post-operatory Care
Some pain and swelling at the site of surgery is expected the first week after getting a MILD procedure, which can be managed with regular pain killers. The after effects should wear off as the days go by. The bandage applied can be removed after at least 8 days have passed.
To prevent any complications, it’s best to go easy on physically strenuous activity that compromises your lower back. Things like lifting heavy objects and exercising are something to build up to during the month following the operation.
If you notice any symptoms outside of these or if you feel like the pain is getting worse instead of better, please contact a doctor to check for any complications. Because MILD is a spinal operation, infection is very serious and should be treated as soon as possible.
Where to Get Minimally Invasive Decompression in New Jersey?
If you are looking for treatment for spinal stenosis in New Jersey, University Pain and Spine Center offers MILD at our locations, provided by board-certified and awarded pain specialists Dr. Demesmin, Dr. O’Donovan and Dr. Dedvukaj. Our staff is highly qualified and experts on minimally invasive pain treatments and spinal conditions.
If you are suffering from lower back pain, you don’t need to simply learn how to live with it. Finding treatment options and bettering the life quality of patients is what our team values the most, as we understand how much chronic pain can impact your daily life.
Don’t hesitate to contact us and begin taking the steps to a painless life, and rest assured that you are in safe hands with the highest standards of care and technology.
