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mild Procedure

Chronic lower back and leg pain from lumbar spinal stenosis can severely affect daily life. Minimally invasive lumbar decompression (mild) offers a less invasive option: through a tiny incision, excess ligament and bone narrowing the canal are removed, without general anesthesia, implants, or stitches. It is typically an outpatient procedure.

Older man at home holding his lower back from lumbar spinal stenosis
Model of the human spine and pelvis

Understanding The mild Procedure

Lumbar spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses the nerves, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness in the lower back and legs. A common contributor is the ligamentum flavum, a ligament at the back of the canal that thickens with age.
 
The mild procedure restores space in the canal by removing excess ligament tissue and small pieces of bone, relieving pressure on the nerves. It is performed through a small incision in the back without general anesthesia, implants, or stitches.

Conditions mild Treats

The mild procedure is designed specifically for lumbar spinal stenosis:

Spinal stenosisNarrowing of the lumbar spinal canal. SciaticaLeg pain from crowded lumbar nerves. Back painPersistent lower back pain from stenosis. Spinal arthritisDegenerative changes that narrow the canal.
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Patient Evaluation

The first step is a thorough evaluation to confirm the diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis and determine which treatments are appropriate for your situation. This typically includes a physical examination, imaging studies, and a review of your medical history.
 
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The mild Procedure: What To Expect

The mild procedure follows a simple path:

  1. 1

    Evaluation

    Confirming lumbar spinal stenosis with an examination and imaging.

  2. 2

    Outpatient procedure

    Using specialized instruments through a tiny incision in the lower back, the surgeon removes excess ligamentum flavum.

  3. 3

    Decompression

    Removing the tissue restores space in the canal and relieves pressure on the nerves.

  4. 4

    Home the same day

    No implants or stitches; most patients return home the same day.

  5. 5

    Recovery and follow-up

    Follow-up appointments and physical therapy to strengthen the back and improve mobility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mild procedure?

The mild procedure (minimally invasive lumbar decompression) treats lumbar spinal stenosis by removing excess ligament tissue and small pieces of bone that narrow the spinal canal, restoring space for the nerves.

Does the mild procedure require general anesthesia or implants?

No. The procedure is performed without general anesthesia, implants, or stitches, through a very small incision in the lower back.

Who is a candidate for the mild procedure?

Patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, often caused largely by a thickened ligamentum flavum, whose symptoms have not improved with conservative care. An evaluation and imaging confirm candidacy.

Is the mild procedure done on an outpatient basis?

Yes. It is typically performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day.

How quickly will I feel better?

Many patients experience a significant improvement in their symptoms shortly after the procedure.

What symptoms does the mild procedure treat?

Persistent lower back pain, numbness or weakness in the legs and feet, difficulty walking or standing for long periods, and reduced activity due to pain.

What happens after the procedure?

You receive post-operative care with follow-up appointments, and physical therapy may be recommended to strengthen the back and enhance mobility.

How do I find out if mild is right for me?

A thorough evaluation, including an examination, imaging, and a review of your history, confirms the diagnosis. Request a free MRI review or call (321) 499-4646.

Commonly Treated Symptoms

The mild procedure is designed to address symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis, including:

  • Persistent lower back pain.
  • Numbness or weakness in the legs and feet.
  • Difficulty walking or standing for long periods.
  • Decreased physical activity due to pain or discomfort.
  • Leg pain that eases with sitting or leaning forward.
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Related Treatments

Laminotomy

A laminotomy procedure is designed to relieve a compressed nerve in the back of the spinal cord. Your spine consists of several vertebra stacked on top of each other, with cushiony discs in between each vertebra to let the spine move freely.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

One of our most common procedures is classified as minimally invasive decompression surgery. This type of surgery is often performed on patients who have a nerve compressed along their spinal cord, resulting in both local and radiating pain.

Spinal Cord Stimulator

Chronic pain is a debilitating condition affecting millions worldwide, significantly impacting quality of life and overall well-being.

Foraminotomy

A foraminotomy procedure is a minimally invasive decompression surgery that relieves the pain associated with foraminal stenosis.

Endoscopic Spine Surgery

Our minimally invasive discectomy procedure offers relief from chronic pain caused by a herniated disc or bulging disc.

Discectomy

Our minimally invasive discectomy procedure offers relief from chronic pain caused by a herniated disc or bulging disc.

ACDF – Spinal Fusion

Patients suffering from a cervical (neck) spine condition may experience chronic neck pain or shooting pain in the head, arm, and/or fingers. This continual pain can become debilitating and cause a decrease in activity and quality of life.

Cervical Disc Replacement

Patients who have a deteriorated disc in the cervical (neck) spine may experience pain, numbness or tingling in the neck, arm and fingers. This continual pain, if left untreated, could result in a restriction of activity and quality of life.

Lumbar Disc Replacement

Chronic lower back pain affects millions globally, significantly diminishing their quality of life. Traditional treatments often involve medication, physical therapy, or invasive surgeries like spinal fusion.

TLIF – Spinal Fusion

Patients who suffer from a spine condition in the lumbar (lower back region) often experience chronic pain and limited mobility.

mild Vs. Traditional Open Surgery

The Minimally Invasive Advantage

How ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic procedures compare with traditional open surgery, and why most patients recover faster.

Traditional open surgeryMinimally invasive / endoscopicOur specialty at Total Spine
IncisionA lengthy incision is required to expose the spine.A tiny incision, smaller than a dime, is used.
Muscle and soft tissueMuscle is cut and dissected to reach the spine.Muscle is preserved and gently moved aside, supporting a quicker recovery.
Hospital stayTypically an overnight or multi-day hospital stay.A same-day procedure; most patients return home within hours.
Blood loss and infection riskGreater blood loss and a higher risk of infection.Minimal blood loss and a lower risk of infection.
Postoperative painMore pain, often requiring stronger medication for longer.Markedly less pain for most patients, with lighter use of pain medication.
Return to daily activityA lengthy recovery, often weeks to months before normal activity.A faster recovery; many patients resume light activity within days.
ScarringLeaves a larger, more noticeable scar.Leaves only a small scar.

The mild procedure relieves lumbar spinal stenosis through a tiny incision, without general anesthesia, implants, or stitches.

Our Patients Stories

Hear our patients share their experience with us, All in their own words.

Why Choose Total Spine and Orthopedics

Expert, ultra-minimally invasive spine and orthopedic care, close to home.

  • Ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques

    We specialize in procedures performed through incisions smaller than a dime, sparing muscle and supporting a faster recovery.

  • Same-day, outpatient procedures

    Most patients walk in and return home within hours, rather than facing an overnight hospital stay.

  • Board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons

    Our team includes early leaders in endoscopic spine surgery.

  • A complimentary MRI review

    Understand your diagnosis and options from a board-certified specialist before committing to any treatment.

  • Trusted by our community

    More than 1,100 patient reviews at a 4.6-star average, and over 50,000 patients treated.

  • The smallest procedure that relieves symptoms

    For stenosis driven by a thickened ligament, mild offers relief through a very small opening.

  • Comprehensive spine and orthopedic care

    From injections to advanced procedures, your full continuum of care is handled in one place.

  • Convenient locations across the Space Coast and Orlando

    Care close to home in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville.

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