LSS treatment options

There are several treatment options available for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) patients. One option is the mild procedure, a new, minimally invasive approach to treat the source of LSS. An alternative to open or endoscopic surgery, mild is an outpatient procedure that reduces back and leg pain and improves mobility with reduced risk and recovery time.

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The following section is designed to give you an overview of the common treatments for LSS. Only your doctor can recommend the appropriate treatment for you.

Common treatments for LSS typically fall into two groups – non-surgical and surgical. Non-surgical options for treating LSS are generally symptom-targeted and may provide only short-term relief. Surgical options address the underlying cause of LSS, often providing longer-term relief.

Non-surgical or symptom-targeted treatments include:

• rest or modified activity,
• physical therapy or exercise,
• medications (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, pain or analgesic), and
• epidural injections.

If your symptoms are not successfully managed with non-surgical treatments, your doctor may recommend a surgical option to address the underlying cause of your LSS by removing elements of the spine to decompress and relieve pressure on the spinal canal. 

There are a range of surgical options available that have demonstrated effectiveness in treating LSS, but they vary greatly in the required length of hospital stay, recovery period and potential complications. These options include open or endoscopic surgical procedures, such as a decompressive laminotomy or laminectomy and implantation of an interspinous process device. Sometimes, surgical decompression procedures will cause spinal instability and a secondary spinal fusion procedure is required.  

Now there is an alternative to open or endoscopic surgery, which reduces the risk of complications and recovery time and does not cause spinal instability. mild is a minimally invasive decompression procedure, performed through a tiny incision using image-guidance (X-ray).  

What you can expect with mild:

• Minimally invasive procedure through a tiny incision, requiring no stitches.
• Local anesthetic and light sedation is typical.
• Fast procedure time, usually performed in 1 hour.
• Generally return home the same day.
• Often return to work and resume light daily tasks within a few days.
• No implants left behind.

If you are diagnosed with LSS, ask your doctor whether mild is the right treatment option for you, or find a certified mild physician in your area.