MILD is a procedure done for people with LSS( Lumbar Spinal Stenosis) due to LFH(Ligamentum Flavum Hypertrophy) who have NC(Neurogenic Claudication). WOW—that’s a lot of big words and acronyms!!!! Let’s break it down.

LSS is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the lumbar (lower back- not mid back or neck) region. The narrowing/stenosis is caused by a number of degenerative changes that occur as we age such as degenerative/bulging discs, excess bone formation, and thickening/hypertrophy of a ligament that runs on the inside of your spinal canal(called the Ligamentum Flavum).

LFH is thus simply the enlargement of this ligament contributing to the LSS. With the canal being too narrow we can have compression and irritation of the nerve roots leading to your symptoms.

NC is the medical term for your symptoms of PAIN, NUMBNESS, or TINGLING sensations in your low back, buttocks, and legs. Oftentimes it may simply be your back or legs just feel TIRED or WEAK when you are standing or walking. These symptoms are typically relieved with sitting or bending forward such as leaning against a grocery cart.

MILD procedure allows us to remove portions of the thickened ligament and some bone through a very tiny incision. You don’t even need stitches! YES, no stitches!!! Also no general anesthesia and no hardware placed. We simply use numbing medicine and sedation. This is an outpatient procedure and performed in less than an hour.

Studies have shown significant increases in standing time and walking distances and also less pain. To learn more about the MILD procedure to allow you to WALK FURTHER, STAND LONGER and with LESS PAIN go to www.mildprocedure.com or contact us at Pain Care Boise.