MILD Procedure

Using X-ray guidance, the surgeon inserts a spinal decompression device through a tiny incision in the lower back and removes the excess tissue. This creates more room within the spinal canal, relieving pressure on the nerves.  

The procedure usually takes less than an hour and is performed with local anesthesia, so patients can go home the same day. Because no major bone or muscle structures are disrupted, MILD is less invasive than traditional spine surgery and is focused on addressing the source of nerve compression.

You may want to consider the MILD procedure if you have ongoing lower back or leg pain that has not improved with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or injections. 

The procedure is often recommended for patients who experience: 

• Pain that worsens with standing or walking  

• Relief when sitting or leaning forward  

• Limited mobility due to discomfort  

If these symptoms are affecting your daily routine, an evaluation with our pain management specialist Dr. R. Andrew Lehn can help determine whether MILD, or another treatment option, is right for you.

The MILD procedure is typically recommended for patients who have been diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis, particularly when thickened ligaments are contributing to nerve compression. You may be a good candidate if you have chronic lower back and leg pain and have not found relief with non-surgical treatments. 

As a minimally invasive procedure, MILD offers several advantages over open surgery: 

• No large incisions  

• No implants or hardware  

• Minimal disruption to surrounding tissue  

• Lower risk of complications  

• Shorter recovery time  

• Performed on an outpatient basis 

Side effects are generally mild and may include temporary soreness at the incision site, minor swelling or bruising, and short-term discomfort as the area heals. Serious complications are uncommon, but your physician will review all potential risks with you before the procedure. 

Recovery is typically quick compared to traditional surgery. Most patients go home the same day and resume light activity within a few days. Improvement in symptoms may occur gradually as pressure on the nerves is reduced and mobility increases. Your provider may recommend physical therapy to support recovery. 

Yes, because MILD does not involve implants, it can be safely repeated on the same level, or at a different level of the spine, if symptoms reappear.  

Over the years, the team at Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine has served thousands of Seacoast community members suffering from back and spine injuries. Our providers offer the procedure at our Portsmouth, NH, and York, ME locations. If you are experiencing ongoing back or leg pain, we invite you to schedule an evaluation with a spine specialist to assess your symptoms, confirm a diagnosis, and discuss whether the MILD procedure or another treatment option is right for you.