Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a condition in which the spinal column narrows in the lower back, compressing the spinal cord and nerves. The result is back pain, numbness, leg pain, and tingling, all of which affect daily activities.
If conservative treatments don't help, you're looking at invasive surgery. You don't have to go down that road with the option of the minimally invasive MILD® procedure.
Dr. Shachi Patel and the Delmarva Pain and Spine Center team offer pain management treatments, including the MILD procedure for severe lower back pain. Dr. Patel is a pain management specialist who treats issues like sciatica, neuropathy, and spinal stenosis.
The MILD procedure is a minimally invasive option for people living with severe spinal stenosis. Dr. Patel utilizes specialized tools to remove excess bone and tissues pressing on the nerves and spinal cord during the procedure.
The procedure addresses the narrowing of the spinal canal, which is the leading cause of spinal stenosis. The tools only require a tiny incision to fit through, and the results are almost immediate.
We also use a specialized type of X-ray called fluoroscopy to ensure we are in the exact spot causing pain. The X-ray ensures the procedure is successful by showing us where the spine is pinching the nerves.
The MILD procedure is an excellent option for people living with severe spinal stenosis. It offers various benefits over more invasive procedures for back pain and spinal stenosis. Four of the most significant benefits include:
It's huge that you can achieve back pain relief without large or painful incisions. The incision we make is tiny, about the size of a pencil eraser. Because it's minimally invasive, there's less risk of infection, severe pain, and complications after the procedure.
The MILD procedure offers fast results with just as quick a recovery time. The tiny incision allows you to get back on your feet faster with less downtime than traditional spine surgery.
Shortly after the procedure, you should feel significant pain relief. The MILD procedure takes the pressure off the nerves and spinal cord, which often causes discomfort with spinal stenosis. With fast relief comes better mobility and a better quality of life.
When conservative treatments don't help, surgery is the next option – but it comes with risks. The MILD procedure, however, is minimally invasive and carries very few risks with optimal reward.
The benefits of the MILD procedure are numerous for people living with painful spinal stenosis. It's an excellent alternative to more invasive procedures and offers long-term pain relief.
Dr. Patel discusses your treatment options based on various factors, including the cause of back pain. If your pain stems from spinal stenosis, you may be a good candidate for the MILD procedure.
Dr. Patel typically starts her patients with conservative measures after reviewing symptoms and an MRI study. These treatments include physical therapy, activity modifications, over-the-counter medications, and epidural steroid injections.
However, if you have severe spinal stenosis that persists despite conservative care, she may offer the MILD procedure as the next step. It's also an excellent option for people who don't quite qualify for open surgical procedures, especially those who are older or have other serious health issues.
To learn more about the MILD procedure, call our Newark, Delaware, office to schedule an appointment or request a consultation with Dr. Patel on our website.
