The mild® procedure is a minimally invasive treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis that causes back and leg pain, numbness, and difficulty walking. Dr. Dipan Patel offers the mild procedure in Parsippany-Troy Hills to gently relieve spinal nerve pressure and help you move more comfortably without major surgery.
Reduce Nerve Compression
in Your Lumbar Spine
The mild® procedure is a minimally invasive outpatient treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), a condition where excess tissue in the lower spine narrows the spinal canal, which can lead to nerve compression. During the procedure, Dr. Patel removes small pieces of bone and ligament through a tiny incision to relieve pressure. It is performed under local anesthesia with minimal downtime, allowing most patients to return home the same day. The goal is to restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve your ability to walk or stand.
Benefits of the mild® Procedure:
- Minimally invasive approach with a tiny incision
- Performed under local anesthesia and light sedation
- Outpatient treatment with same-day discharge
- Short recovery time compared to traditional surgery
- Low risk of complications and tissue damage
- Proven to improve mobility and walking ability
- Offers longer-lasting relief than repeat injections
- Preserves spinal stability while relieving nerve pressure
What Does mild® Procedure Treat?
The mild® procedure is performed to treat lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), a condition caused by a narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back. This often results from thickened ligaments or excess tissue that puts pressure on the spinal nerves. Over time, this pressure can lead to significant pain, reduced mobility, and difficulty with everyday activities.
By targeting the source of nerve compression, the mild® procedure can help relieve several common symptoms, including:
- Back pain that worsens with standing or walking
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs
- Pain that improves when sitting or bending forward
- Limited ability to stand upright for long periods
- Difficulty walking long distances without stopping
Am I a Candidate for the mild® Procedure?
You may be a candidate if you have been diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and experience leg pain, numbness, or difficulty standing and walking. The procedure is typically recommended for patients who have not found lasting relief from conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or repeated epidural steroid injections. A careful review of your MRI or imaging studies will help confirm if the mild® procedure is right for you.
What Happens During the mild® Procedure?
During your mild procedure in Parsippany-Troy Hills, you’ll lie face down while Dr. Patel uses fluoroscopy (live X-ray) to precisely locate the area of spinal narrowing. After numbing your skin with local anesthesia, he makes a tiny incision about 5 millimeters wide. Through this, he inserts surgical instruments to reach the thickened ligamentum flavum, the structure responsible for compressing the spinal canal in lumbar spinal stenosis. Small pieces of this excess ligament tissue are carefully removed to create more space for the nerves.
Because no bones, muscles, or stabilizing structures are cut or weakened, the integrity of your spine remains intact. The procedure usually takes less than an hour, and since it requires no stitches or implants, you can typically return home the same day. Many patients notice improved walking endurance and reduced nerve-related leg pain soon afterward.
What Can I Expect After the Procedure?
Recovery is usually quick, with most patients resuming light activities within a few days. Because the mild® procedure does not involve stitches or hardware, your downtime is minimal compared to traditional surgery. Many patients notice improvements in walking tolerance, reduced leg pain, and greater mobility in the weeks following treatment.
Will I Need Additional Treatments After mild®?
For many patients, the mild® procedure provides lasting relief from the symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis. However, because spinal stenosis is a progressive condition, some individuals may need future treatments if new areas of narrowing develop. Dr. Patel will monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Why Choose Dr. Patel for the mild® Procedure?
Dr. Dipan Patel is a double board-certified interventional pain physician with advanced fellowship training from NYU Langone. He specializes in minimally invasive treatments that relieve pain and restore mobility without major surgery. With expertise in procedures like the mild procedure in Parsippany-Troy Hills, Dr. Patel helps patients struggling with lumbar spinal stenosis regain function. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Patel to learn if the mild® procedure is right for you in Morris County, NJ.
