The Mild® Procedure Explained: An Effective Option for Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a common condition, especially among older adults, that can make everyday activities—like walking, standing, or even sleeping—painful and difficult. It occurs when the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the nerves in the lower back. While some people find relief through physical therapy or medications, others may need more targeted treatment.

For those who are not ready for major surgery, the Mild® Procedure offers a minimally invasive, outpatient option that relieves pain and restores mobility without the need for implants, stitches, or general anesthesia.

Understanding Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis typically develops as part of the natural aging process. Over time, the tissues around the spine—such as ligaments and bone—can thicken or enlarge. This growth can narrow the spinal canal, putting pressure on the nerves that travel through the lower back and into the legs.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain or cramping in the lower back, buttocks, or legs 
• Numbness or tingling that worsens with standing or walking 
• Weakness in the legs 
• Relief when sitting or bending forward 

These symptoms often make it difficult to stay active, limiting mobility and quality of life.

What Is the Mild® Procedure?

The Mild® Procedure (Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression) is an FDA-cleared treatment designed specifically for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). It targets one of the leading causes of spinal canal narrowing: the thickening of the ligamentum flavum, a strong ligament in the spine that can overgrow with age.

During the Mild® Procedure, a pain management specialist uses specialized tools to remove small portions of excess ligament tissue through a tiny incision in the lower back—about the size of a baby aspirin. This creates more space in the spinal canal and reduces pressure on the nerves, helping relieve pain and improve mobility.

How the Procedure Works

The Mild® Procedure is performed using real-time X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy) to guide the physician with precision. Here’s what typically happens step by step:

1. Preparation – The patient lies face down, and the area of the lower back is numbed with a local anesthetic. There’s no need for general anesthesia, which makes the procedure safer for patients with other health conditions. 
2. Tiny Incision – A small incision, usually less than 5 millimeters, is made in the skin. 
3. Tissue Removal – Using specialized tools, the doctor removes small portions of bone and ligament tissue that are narrowing the spinal canal. 
4. Verification – Imaging confirms that enough tissue has been removed to decompress the nerves. 
5. Completion – The incision is covered with a simple adhesive bandage—no stitches are needed. 

The entire procedure takes about 30 to 60 minutes, and patients typically go home the same day.

Benefits of the Mild® Procedure

The Mild® Procedure provides significant relief with minimal downtime compared to more invasive surgical options. Some of the main benefits include:

• Minimally invasive – No large incisions, implants, or general anesthesia. 
• Low risk – Minimal blood loss and low complication rates. 
• Quick recovery – Most patients resume light activities within a few days. 
• Outpatient procedure – No hospital stay required. 
• Durable relief – Many patients experience lasting improvement in mobility and pain relief. 

Clinical studies have shown that patients can stand and walk longer distances after the Mild® Procedure, with results that last for years. It’s also covered by Medicare and most major insurance plans, making it accessible to many individuals.

Who Is a Candidate for the Mild® Procedure?

The Mild® Procedure is best suited for patients diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis caused primarily by ligament thickening. Candidates often have:

• Chronic lower back or leg pain 
• Difficulty standing or walking for extended periods 
• Relief when sitting or bending forward 
• MRI or imaging showing narrowing of the spinal canal due to ligament overgrowth 

It’s an excellent option for people who have not found relief with conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or epidural steroid injections—but who are not ready for, or are not good candidates for, traditional spine surgery.

What to Expect After the Mild® Procedure

Recovery from the Mild® Procedure is typically quick and straightforward. Since there are no stitches and minimal tissue disruption, patients usually walk out of the treatment center the same day.

Post-procedure recovery includes:

• Light walking as soon as possible to promote circulation and healing. 
• Gradual return to normal activities within a few days. 
• Avoiding strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for a short period, as advised by the doctor. 

Some patients notice immediate relief, while for others, improvement continues over several weeks as inflammation subsides and the nerves recover from pressure.

Most patients report significant improvements in walking distance and standing time within weeks, leading to a better quality of life and restored independence.

Mild® vs. Traditional Spine Surgery

While spinal decompression surgery can also relieve pressure on nerves, it involves larger incisions, longer recovery times, and higher risks—especially for older adults with other medical conditions. The Mild® Procedure bridges the gap between conservative treatments and major surgery.

For many patients, the Mild® Procedure offers a safe and effective alternative to open surgery, providing relief without the associated risks or long recovery period.

Clinical Evidence and Patient Outcomes

The Mild® Procedure has been studied extensively and is supported by strong clinical data. Studies published in medical journals have shown:

• Improved mobility – Patients can stand and walk significantly longer after treatment. 
• Sustained results – Benefits last up to 5 years or more in many cases. 
• Low complication rates – Comparable to an epidural injection in terms of safety. 
• High satisfaction – Many patients report meaningful improvement in daily life and reduced need for pain medications. 

Because it’s so minimally invasive, the Mild® Procedure can be safely performed even in patients who are not candidates for major spine surgery due to age or other health issues.

Why Consider the Mild® Procedure?

If spinal stenosis pain has made walking to the mailbox or standing in line at the grocery store a challenge, the Mild® Procedure may be the solution. It can help restore mobility and independence with a simple, proven approach that doesn’t involve major surgery.

Benefits include:

• Minimal downtime 
• Safe and effective pain relief 
• Long-lasting results 
• Covered by Medicare and most insurance providers 

Takeaway

Spinal stenosis can greatly affect your ability to stay active and independent, but you don’t have to live with the pain. The Mild® Procedure provides a minimally invasive, outpatient treatment option that effectively relieves nerve pressure and improves quality of life—with little risk and a fast recovery.

If you’ve been diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis and are looking for an alternative to open surgery, talk to your pain management specialist about whether the Mild® Procedure is right for you.