Lumbar spinal stenosis is a condition where the spinal canal in the lower back narrows, placing pressure on spinal nerves. This can lead to pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs, especially when walking or standing. At North County Vascular & Interventional (NCVI), our board certified interventional radiologists offer the MILD procedure (Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression) to treat spinal stenosis without major surgery, providing faster recovery and fewer complications compared to traditional open back surgery.
Helps reduce lower back pain, leg numbness, and weakness caused by compressed spinal nerves, improving your ability to stand and walk.
No major surgery, general anesthesia, or implants required. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days.
The MILD procedure is a well established, safe, and effective treatment recognized for managing lumbar spinal stenosis.
Our board certified vascular and interventional radiologists are leaders in interventional radiology with decades of experience performing minimally invasive spine and vein treatments.
Lumbar spinal stenosis occurs when the space inside the lower spinal canal narrows, compressing the nerves that travel through the lower back into the legs. This narrowing is often caused by the thickening of the ligamentum flavum, along with age related changes such as arthritis and disc bulging. As the ligament thickens, it reduces the available space in the spinal canal and pinches nearby nerves.
Common symptoms include:
Lumbar spinal stenosis is most common in adults over the age of 50 and is a leading cause of back and leg pain in this population. The MILD procedure can be effective in managing chronic pain patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional decompression surgery.
The MILD procedure is an image guided treatment designed to remove small portions of the thickened ligamentum flavum to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves. On the day of the procedure, patients receive light sedation for comfort. A small instrument is inserted through a tiny incision in the back, and the thickened ligament is carefully reduced to create more space in the spinal canal.
Because the MILD procedure is a minimally invasive, outpatient treatment, it offers faster recovery, less post procedural pain, and no large incisions or visible scars. It also leaves the structural stability of the spine intact, as no bone is removed and no implants are placed.
This procedure typically takes less than one hour, and patients go home the same day. Your doctor will help determine if the MILD procedure is the best treatment option based on your individual needs and medical history.
Most patients experience significant symptom improvement following the MILD procedure. Compared to surgical alternatives, this minimally invasive treatment achieves clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvement in pain and mobility.
The MILD procedure leaves the structural integrity of your spine fully intact. No bone is removed, no implants are placed, and no hardware is left behind. This preserves your natural spinal anatomy while still effectively relieving nerve compression caused by the thickened ligamentum flavum.
Most patients return to normal daily activities within a few days of the procedure. Because there are no large incisions or general anesthesia involved, post procedural downtime is minimal. Light activity can typically be resumed within 24 to 48 hours, and most patients do not require prescription pain medication during recovery.
While some patients notice relief shortly after the procedure, improvement in standing tolerance, walking distance, and overall leg comfort typically continues over several weeks. Follow up appointments are arranged to monitor your progress and ensure optimal long term results.
Recovery is generally quick and comfortable. Some patients may experience mild soreness at the incision site for a few days, which can be managed with over the counter medications. Our team provides clear post procedure instructions and is available to answer any questions throughout your recovery.
The MILD procedure (Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression) is a minimally invasive treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis that removes portions of thickened ligament to relieve pressure on spinal nerves.
The narrowing is often caused by thickening of the ligamentum flavum, along with age related changes such as arthritis and disc bulging, which reduces space in the spinal canal and compresses nerves.
Yes. The MILD procedure is a well established, minimally invasive procedure with a strong safety profile. It is performed as an outpatient procedure and does not require general anesthesia or implants.
Most patients return to normal daily activities within a few days. Mild soreness may occur but can be managed with over the counter medications. Gradual improvement in standing and walking is typically seen over several weeks.
We proudly serve patients throughout San Diego County, including Oceanside, Carlsbad, Vista, San Marcos, Encinitas, Escondido, and Fallbrook, along with the surrounding North County communities.
Scheduling is easy. Call us at (760) 940-3685 or request an appointment online. Our vascular specialists will review your health needs and guide you toward the best treatment options for your condition.
At North County Vascular & Interventional Specialists, we believe no patient should have to choose between their health and their quality of life.
