The minimally invasive lumbar decompression or MILD procedure for spinal stenosis is often recommended for chronic lower back pain caused by lumbar stenosis. Like any medical procedure, the MILD procedure may come with side effects. Understanding the risks and benefits is essential before deciding if minimally invasive lumbar decompression is the right option for you.
Advanced Spine and Pain specialists are available to answer any questions about minimally invasive lumbar decompression. To learn more, call (480) 573-0130 or contact us online.
Why Should I Consider the MILD Procedure?
If you are living with chronic lower back pain and have been told you have spinal stenosis, there are several treatment options available for pain relief. If conservative treatments like medication or physical therapy have not helped, your doctor may recommend the MILD procedure as a less invasive alternative to a more major spinal surgery.
The MILD procedure is an outpatient procedure in which thickened ligaments in the spinal column are shaved down. These back ligaments can thicken with age. During the procedure, more space is created in the spinal canal, reducing pressure on spinal nerves that causes lower back pain.
What Are Some Possible Side Effects of the MILD Procedure?
In general, minimally invasive lumbar decompression is considered low risk, with only a very small number of people experiencing potential complications.
Because minimally invasive lumbar decompression is performed using a tiny incision rather than a more invasive procedure, most patients report side effects that are typically minor and short-lived, including bruising at the site and pain after the MILD procedure. Other (uncommon) MILD procedure complications include1:
- Epidural hematoma (a bruise that forms in the space around the spinal cord)
- Infection
- Dural leak or tear (where some fluid leaks from the epidural space)
- Spinal instability
- Neurologic injury (damage to the nerves or spinal cord)
What if I Still Have Pain After the MILD Procedure?
Most patients report being satisfied with minimally invasive lumbar decompression and will experience pain relief. Some studies suggest that this significant relief can last for years2 and help people postpone invasive spinal surgery.
However, it is possible that pain relief may not be fully achieved, and you may still experience nerve pain after the MILD procedure. This is especially true if you also have other back problems that minimally invasive lumbar decompression does not treat.
Full recovery can take up to six weeks after the procedure. If you still have pain after the typical recovery time, worsening pain after the procedure, or symptoms of infection like fever, swelling, or drainage, you should let your doctor know right away.
What Benefits Can I Expect from the MILD Procedure?
There are several possible positive benefits from minimally invasive lumbar decompression. They include:
- Improved mobility
- Decreased pain
- Ability to stand for increased amounts of time
- Reduced risk of bleeding and infection
- Quicker recovery time than major spinal surgery
- The ability to return home on the same day as the procedure
- Lasting relief of discomfort
If you are considering minimally invasive lumbar decompression to treat lumbar spinal stenosis, the pain management specialists at Advanced Spine and Pain can review your history and discuss pain relief options. Contact us online today for expert advice from our team, or call us at (480) 573-0130.
References
[1] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/9781119757306.ch59
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