The mild® Procedure

At Carolina Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Center, we are committed to providing our patients with exceptional spine care as well as the latest and most advanced treatment options. That’s why we are proud to offer the mild procedure for patients who are suffering from lumbar spinal stenosis.

Performed by our fellowship-trained spine specialist, Tejas N. Parikh, MD, the mild procedure is an advanced minimally invasive procedure that helps reduce pain, improve mobility, and get patients back to enjoying the activities they love.

What Is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?

Lumbar spinal stenosis is a lower back condition that occurs when the space around the spinal cord, known as the spinal canal, becomes smaller. When this happens, pressure is placed on the spinal cord as well as the spinal nerve roots.

Common symptoms patients with lumbar spinal stenosis experience include:

  • Pain, numbness, heaviness, or tingling in the upper legs or buttocks when walking
  • Pain or numbness in the lower back when standing upright
  • Relief when sitting or bending forward

What Is the mild Procedure?

The mild procedure is an advanced outpatient procedure that is used to treat lumbar spinal stenosis. Unlike other surgical treatment options for lumbar spinal stenosis, the mild procedure does not use a large incision, stitches, general anesthesia, or an implant. It also does not require the use of steroids or opioids.

Instead, the mild procedure is performed through an incision around the size of a baby aspirin, and it uses specialized tools to remove the small pieces of bone and excess ligament that are causing the narrowing of the spinal canal. This not only addresses a major root cause of lumbar spinal stenosis but also decreases the pressure placed on the spinal cord and nerves, providing pain relief as well as helping to restore mobility.

What Are the Benefits of the mild Procedure?

The mild procedure can provide patients suffering from lumbar spinal stenosis with a variety of benefits. Some of the benefits patients may experience include:

  • Going home the same day of surgery
  • Reduced pain
  • Restored mobility
  • Returning to light activities within a few days
  • The ability to stand longer and walk farther with less pain

For more information about the mild procedure or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Parikh, please call 704-865-0077 or request an appointment online.