Treating Low Back Pain - Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Procedures at Garden State Pain and Orthopedics

The "MILD" procedure refers to "Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression." It's a medical procedure used at Garden State Pain and Orthopedics to treat lumbar spinal stenosis, a condition where the spinal canal narrows in the lower back, leading to compression of the nerves traveling through the lumbar spine. This compression can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the lower back, buttocks, and legs.

Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD) aims to alleviate these symptoms by removing small pieces of bone and tissue from the spine to create more space for the nerves. This procedure is considered minimally invasive because it involves making small incisions and using specialized instruments to access the affected area of the spine, rather than traditional open surgery.

What happens during the MILD procedure?

• Anesthesia: The patient is typically placed under local anesthesia or sedation to numb the area or induce sleep during the procedure. Garden State Pain and Orthopedics’ performs their procedures at Clifton Surgery Center, located on the same floor as their Clifton location. 
• Fluoroscopy:  A type of real-time X-ray, is used to guide the surgeon's instruments to the precise location in the spine.
• Small incisions are made in the back, and specialized tools are inserted through these incisions to access the affected area of the spine.
• Decompression: The surgeon removes small pieces of bone, ligament, or other tissue that are compressing the nerves in the spinal canal, creating more space for the nerves to pass through.
• Closure: Once the decompression is complete, the incisions are closed with sutures or adhesive strips, and a bandage may be applied.

Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD) is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you go home the same day as the procedure. Compared to traditional open surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis, MILD involves less pain, shorter recovery times, and lower risks of complications. However, not all patients are suitable candidates for this procedure, and the decision to undergo MILD should be made in consultation with your provider at Garden State Pain and Orthopedics who can evaluate your specific condition and medical history.

What is spinal stenosis? 

As mentioned above, spinal stenosis is a medical condition characterized by the narrowing of the spaces within the spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine. This narrowing typically occurs in the spinal canal or in the spaces where the nerve roots exit the spine.

There are two main types of spinal stenosis:

• Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: This type of stenosis occurs in the lower back and is the most common form. It usually develops as a result of degenerative changes in the spine, such as osteoarthritis or the formation of bone spurs. Lumbar spinal stenosis can lead to compression of the nerves in the lower back, causing symptoms such as lower back pain, buttock pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs, especially when walking or standing for extended periods (known as neurogenic claudication).
• Cervical Spinal Stenosis: This type of stenosis occurs in the neck area of the spine. It can result from various factors, including degenerative changes, herniated discs, thickening of ligaments, or abnormalities in the structure of the spine. Cervical spinal stenosis can lead to compression of the nerves in the neck, causing symptoms such as neck pain, shoulder pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or hands. In severe cases, cervical spinal stenosis can also lead to problems with coordination or balance and can potentially affect bowel or bladder function.

Symptoms of spinal stenosis can vary depending on the location and severity of the narrowing. Some individuals may experience no symptoms, while others may have chronic pain or neurological symptoms that worsen over time. Symptoms may include pain, numbness or tingling, weakness, difficulty walking, changes in bowel or bladder function, or issues with balance or coordination. Patients may also exhibit “Shopping cart syndrome” where it is painful to walk upright, but leaning forward as if you are using a shopping cart creates comfort. 

MILD procedure is one treatment for spinal stenosis, but your treatment plan depends on the severity of symptoms and usually involves conservative treatments first such as physical therapy, pain management, and anti-inflammatory medications. In severe cases where conservative treatments fail to provide relief, surgical interventions such as decompressive laminectomy or minimally invasive procedures like MILD (Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression) are considered to relieve pressure on the affected nerves.

Do you have questions about your lumbar pain? Schedule an appointment with one of our pain management professionals by using the “Book Now” button at the top of the screen, or read more about our services here. 

Orthopedic Providers:

Dr. Deepan Patel, MD - Orthopedic Specialist

Dr. Patel practices in Garden State Pain and Orthopedics’ Jersey City, Clifton, West Orange, and Edison locations and specializes in sports injuries, tendon repairs, joint replacements, arthroscopic surgery, and tends to all injuries related to the shoulder, knee, hip, elbow, wrist, and ankle. He offers innovative treatment options for common sports-related injuries, including ACL tears, meniscus tears, and labral tears.

Dr. Scott Hanauer, MD - Foot and Ankle Specialist

Dr. Hanauer is located in Clifton, Jersey City, Edison, and West Orange, and provides treatments for all injuries related to the foot and ankle. Achilles ruptures, bunions, bunionettes, hammertoes, fractures, and ligament reconstruction are commonly treated by Dr. Hanauer. He also specializes in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, including ankle replacement, flat foot and cavus foot reconstruction, and ankle and midfoot fusions.

Matt Jensen, PA - Orthopedic Physician Assistant

Physician Assistant Matt Jenses helps patients with injuries related to the shoulder, knee, hip, elbow, wrist, and ankle, and works out of Jersey City, Clifton, Edison, and West Orange. 

Pain Management Providers:

Dr. Dev Sinha, MD - Pain Medicine Physician

Dr. Dev Sinha specializes in pain medicine and physical medicine and rehabilitation at Garden State Pain & Orthopedics integrating physical and behavioral therapies, medications, and the most innovative, minimally-invasive procedures. He is available in Clifton, Jersey City, and Edison. 

Dr. Neil Sinha, MD - Pain Medicine Physician

Dr. Sinha is especially interested in treating cervical and lumbar pain, sciatica, spinal stenosis, and post-laminectomy syndrome. He also specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of complex regional pain syndrome, facial pain, and headaches. Dr. Neil Sinha is available in Edison, Clifton, Hazlet, and Jersey City, New Jersey.

Dr. Jahnna Levy, DO - Pain Medicine Physician 

As an osteopathic physiatrist, Dr. Levy believes in a multifaceted and holistic approach to pain management. She treats each person as an individual, formulating a systematic treatment plan to restore function, reduce pain, and improve their quality of life. Along with neck, back, and joint pain, Dr. Levy also treats vein conditions such as varicose veins and spider veins at Garden State Pain and Orthopedics’ locations in West Orange, Clifton, Jersey City, and Edison. 

Dr. Saurabh Dang, MD, MBA - Pain Medicine Physician

Dr Dang offers multiple therapies for the treatment of chronic pain including: Intrathecal drug delivery system implantation, Dorsal Column Spinal Cord Stimulation implantation, Dorsal Root Spinal Cord Stimulation implantation, Insertion of interspinous spacer for spinal stenosis, SI joint arthrodesis, kyphoplasty, minimally invasive lumbar decompression (mild procedure) for spinal stenosis, and percutaneous tenotomy among others to treat chronic pain. 

Dr. Dipan Patel, MD - Pain Medicine Physician

Dr. Dipan Patel specializes in Botox® for chronic pain disorders, trigeminal neuralgia, temporomandibular joint disorders, and headache and chronic migraine. He also specializes in complex regional pain syndrome, joint pain, and post-laminectomy syndrome at four of our office locations in Edison, Clifton, Hazlet, and Jersey City, New Jersey.

Dr. Andrew So - Pain Medicine Physician

Dr. So specializes in neck pain, back pain, spine pain, post-laminectomy syndrome, headache pain, migraine pain, joint pain, knee pain, shoulder pain, hip pain, neuropathy, acute, and post-surgical pain syndromes, and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), amongst others in Clifton, Jersey City, Edison, and West Orange. 

Tyler Duggan, PA - Pain Medicine Physician Assistant

Tyler Duggan is a nationally certified physician assistant who specializes in pain management. He believes in a multimodal, evidence-based strategy for the treatment of both acute and chronic pain utilizing the most advanced, minimally invasive techniques when necessary. Tyler is located in Clifton, Jersey City, and Edison, New Jersey. 

Locations:

Clifton

Address: 1117 Route 46 East, Suite 301, Clifton, NJ 07013

Phone: 973-777-5444

Edison

Address: 25 South Main Street, Suite 12, Edison, NJ 08837

Phone: 732-376-0330

Jersey City

Address: 631 Grand Street, Suite 2-100, Jersey City, NJ 07304

Phone: 973-777-5444

Hazlet

Address: 226 Middle Road, Suite 4, Hazlet, NJ 07730 

Phone: 732-376-0330 

West Orange

Address: 443 Northfield Ave West Orange, NJ 07052

Phone: 732-376-0330