Treating symptomatic spinal stenosis with a MILD procedure. 

Treating symptomatic spinal stenosis with a MILD procedure. 

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal. It can occur at any place in the spine, but is most common in the lower lumbar region and is called lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). The spinal canal houses the spinal cord in your back. When stenosis occurs, it can cause pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerves in the area. If you experience trouble walking, standing, pain or numbness in the legs and is relieved by leaning over or sitting you may be suffering from LSS. At Advanced Pain Management Center, Vladimir Fiks, MD offers a minimally invasive lumbar decompression (MILD) procedure to help relieve symptoms associated with LSS. 

What causes lumbar spinal stenosis? 

The most common cause of LSS is osteoarthritis which is the gradual wear and tear of joints with age. The changes to the spine that occur due to osteoarthritis can put pressure on the nerves that run through it. Osteoarthritis most commonly affects people over the age of 50 and is more prevalent in women. Other conditions that may cause LSS include: 

• Injury to the spine 
• A narrow spinal canal 
• Bone diseases 
• Spinal tumors 
• Prior surgeries 

Common symptoms include: 

• Back pain 
• Burning pain running down the buttocks into the legs (sciatica) 
• Numbness and tingling of the legs 
• Loss of sensation in the feet 
• Weakness in the foot causing the foot to slap down when walking, also known as “foot drop” 

What is direct lumbar decompression? 

Direct spinal decompression is accomplished by removing some of the tissues around the spine, those may include some of the surrounding bone and/or ligament to increase the capaciousness of the spinal canal. This can be accomplished by minimally invasive spinal decompression MILD or open surgical decompression. 

MILD is an early treatment option to consider if more conservative therapies, such as physical therapy or pain medications, are not providing adequate relief. The mild® Procedure addresses a major root cause of LSS by removing excess ligament tissue to restore space in the spinal canal. The procedure typically takes less than an hour and requires no implants, stitches, general anesthesia, steroids, or opioids. Patients typically resume normal activity within 24 hours with no restrictions. MILD is nationally covered by Medicare (all ages, all plan types) nationwide. 

If you are suffering from lumbar spinal stenosis do not hesitate to call our office today and schedule a consultation with Dr. Fiks. A MILD procedure may significantly improve your quality of life. 

Author

Vladimir Fiks, MD Medical Director Advanced Pain Management Center and Cedar Hills Surgery Center