The holidays should be joyful — but if back or leg pain makes every activity a challenge, the season can quickly lose its sparkle.
At SamWell Institute for Pain Management, Dr. Jay M. Shah, a national leader in interventional pain management, helps patients reclaim comfort through the MILD® (minimally invasive lumbar decompression) procedure by Vertos Medical.
If you live with lumbar spinal stenosis or neurogenic claudication, MILD may be the key to standing tall and moving freely again — just in time for the holidays.
Dr. Shah typically recommends the MILD procedure for people who:
If you find yourself stopping mid-walk, leaning on a shopping cart, or skipping family events because of back or leg discomfort, it may be time to ask whether MILD could help you.
The MILD procedure specifically targets lumbar spinal stenosis caused by thickened ligament tissue that crowds your spinal canal. This narrowing compresses your nerves, leading to pain and fatigue that radiate into your legs.
By removing small pieces of excess ligament and bone, Dr. Shah relieves that pressure and restores space around the nerves — improving mobility and reducing pain.
MILD is performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you go home the same day. Using advanced imaging guidance, Dr. Shah makes a tiny incision — about the width of a baby aspirin — to access the compressed area. He then removes small bits of thickened tissue and bone to decompress the spinal canal.
You're awake but relaxed under light sedation, and there’s no need for general anesthesia, implants, or stitches. Because the approach is minimally invasive, recovery is typically quick — most people return to light activity — like decking the halls — within a few days.
MILD stands out because it treats the root cause of spinal stenosis rather than just masking symptoms. Here’s how it compares to other options.
Epidural steroid injections reduce inflammation and pain temporarily, but MILD removes the excess tissue compressing your nerves — offering more lasting relief.
Traditional surgery requires larger incisions and a longer recovery. MILD achieves decompression through a tiny opening, using local anesthesia and avoiding hardware or hospital stays.
Ignoring spinal stenosis allows symptoms to progress. MILD helps you stay active, mobile, and independent — preventing decline before it starts.
Because MILD preserves spinal stability, it leaves future treatment options open. It’s a restorative step that fits neatly between conservative care and surgery.
When your nerves finally have room to breathe, you can:
Even small improvements in mobility can mean a big improvement in your quality of life.
Not everyone is a candidate for MILD. Dr. Shah evaluates your imaging, medical history, and previous treatments before making a recommendation. If your stenosis stems mainly from thickened ligaments, and conservative options have failed, you may be a strong candidate for this procedure.
Don’t let back pain steal your holiday joy. If walking, standing, or shopping leaves you struggling, call SamWell Institute for Pain Management, or request an appointment online at one of our New Jersey locations. Let Dr. Jay M. Shah and our team help you rediscover the freedom of movement this season.
