mild® Procedure (Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression)

Restoring Mobility with the mild® Procedure in Houston, TX

If standing or walking causes heaviness, numbness, or aching pain in your lower back or legs, you may be experiencing Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS). Caused by the gradual narrowing of the spinal canal—often due to a thickened ligament (ligamentum flavum)—LSS compresses the nerves, making simple daily activities like walking through a grocery store feel overwhelming.

At Houston Pain Specialists, Dr. Hui Kang offers mild® (minimally invasive lumbar decompression)—an outpatient, image-guided procedure designed to treat the root cause of spinal stenosis without major surgery.

What is the mild® Procedure?

The mild® procedure is an FDA-cleared, minimally invasive treatment that removes small pieces of excess tissue and bone responsible for compressing the spinal canal. By restoring space in the spinal canal, mild® relieves nerve pressure, allowing patients to stand longer and walk further with significantly less pain.

Key features of the mild® treatment include:

• Generally No General Anesthesia: Typically performed using local anesthesia combined with light or moderate sedation (though the level of sedation can be tailored based on patient needs).
• Tiny Incision: Requires an incision about the size of a baby aspirin (no stitches required).
• No Implants Left Behind: Leaves the natural structure and stability of your spine intact.
• Quick Recovery: Most patients resume light activities within 24 hours.

How mild® Works

During the procedure, Dr. Kang uses specialized fluoroscopic (real-time X-ray) imaging to guide micro-tools to the exact site of compression in your lower back.

1. Precision Access: A tiny portal is created near the affected vertebrae.
2. Targeted Relief: Excess, thickened ligament tissue pressing on the spinal cord is carefully sculpted away.
3. Restored Space: Space in the spinal canal is restored, taking pressure off the pinched nerves.

Am I a Candidate for mild®?

You may be a candidate for the mild® procedure if you experience:

• Pain, numbness, or weakness in your lower back, buttocks, or legs when standing or walking.
• Pain relief when sitting, leaning forward, or leaning over a shopping cart (neurogenic claudication).
• Inadequate relief from conservative treatments like physical therapy or epidural steroid injections.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does the mild® procedure take?

The procedure typically takes less than an hour to perform in an outpatient setting. Most patients go home the same day within a few hours of completion.

How quickly can I return to normal activity after mild®?

Because mild® requires no stitches, bone removal, or implants, recovery is fast. Most patients can resume light, normal daily activities within 24 hours without significant downtime.

Is the mild® procedure covered by insurance?

Yes, the mild® procedure is covered by Medicare and many commercial insurance plans across the country when clinical criteria are met. Our billing specialists at Houston Pain Specialists will assist in verifying your coverage.

Does the mild® procedure generally require general anesthesia?

No, general anesthesia is generally not required. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia with light to moderate sedation to keep you comfortable. However, sedation levels can be adjusted based on physician assessment and individual patient requirements.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Don't let spinal stenosis keep you from the activities you love. Contact Houston Pain Specialists today at 713-664-2662 or request an appointment online to see if the mild® procedure is right for you.