MILD is a percutaneous, outpatient procedure performed through a tiny access port — far less invasive than traditional lumbar decompression surgery. There are no implants, no stitches, and no general anesthesia.

Will I need fusion afterward?

MILD preserves the spine's natural anatomy and does not destabilize it the way larger decompression procedures sometimes do. Most appropriate candidates avoid fusion entirely.

MILD

MILD Procedure

An outpatient answer for lumbar spinal stenosis.

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Treatment Overview

Built around the patient — not the procedure.

MILD (Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression) is an FDA-cleared outpatient procedure for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis whose pain and walking limitations stem from a thickened ligamentum flavum. Through an incision the size of a baby aspirin, small fragments of bone and ligament are removed to restore space in the spinal canal — without implants, stitches, or general anesthesia.

Quick Facts

Setting: Outpatient, walk out same day
Anesthesia: Local + light sedation, no general
Recovery: Light activity within 24 hours
Provided by: Dr. Baumgartner

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A fluoroscopy C-arm and patient table in a bright, empty interventional procedure suite with a bank of imaging monitors.

A clear, step-by-step approach.

1
MRI confirms ligamentum flavum hypertrophy as the source of stenosis.
2
A small access port — about the size of a baby aspirin — is created in the lower back.
3
Under live fluoroscopic guidance, specialized instruments remove portions of thickened ligament and bone.
4
The space restored in the spinal canal relieves pressure on nerves causing leg pain and limited walking.

Who is it for

Lumbar spinal stenosis with neurogenic claudication
Pain or numbness with standing or walking, relieved by sitting or leaning forward
Ligamentum flavum hypertrophy on MRI
Patients seeking an alternative to laminectomy or fusion

What to expect

Procedure time is typically under 1 hour.
Performed under local anesthesia with light sedation.
No general anesthesia, no implants, no stitches.
Most patients walk out the same day.

Recovery & results

Light activity within 24 hours.
Most return to normal activities within a few days.
Improvement in walking distance progresses over 2–6 weeks.
Published data shows durable functional improvement at 2+ years.

Risks & Side Effects

Honest about what to expect.

Every procedure carries some risk. We explain everything in plain language during your consultation, and again on the day of the procedure — so you know what is normal, what to watch for, and when to call.

Mild soreness, bruising, or tenderness at the access site for several days.
Temporary increase in pain in the first 24–72 hours as inflammation settles.
Rare risk of infection, bleeding, or allergic reaction to medications.
Procedure-specific risks discussed in detail during your consultation.
Most patients tolerate the procedure well and return to light activity quickly.

FAQ

Direct answers — no jargon.

If your question isn’t here, ask us at your consultation. We will give you the same answer in plain English.

MILD is a percutaneous, outpatient procedure performed through a tiny access port — far less invasive than traditional lumbar decompression surgery. There are no implants, no stitches, and no general anesthesia.

Cost, Insurance & Financing

We verify your benefits before your visit.

MILD Procedure is typically covered by major commercial insurance, Medicare, and most government plans when medically indicated. Our team verifies your benefits, copays, and prior-authorization requirements before your visit. For services not covered by insurance, we offer transparent self-pay pricing and CareCredit financing.

Insurance & financing details

Quick answers

Will my insurance cover this? We check before your visit.
Self-pay options? Yes, with transparent pricing.
Financing? CareCredit and similar programs available.

Expertise

The standard of MILD care, raised to where it belongs.

MILD Procedure at HTx Pain Institute is performed by Edward Baumgartner Jr., MD — double board-certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, with over fifteen years of interventional pain medicine experience. We combine institute-caliber technical execution with the time and judgment every patient deserves. Precision. Lasting Relief.

Conditions Treated

What MILD Procedure is used for.

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Spinal Stenosis

Narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses nerves and limits walking.

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Sciatica

Radiating leg pain from compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve.

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Related Treatments

Other treatments we offer.

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Medically Reviewed

Reviewed by Edward Baumgartner Jr., MD · Last reviewed September 10, 2026. Information on this page is not medical advice. Always consult your physician.

Ready When You Are

Get the care you deserve. Schedule your consultation today.

Two Houston-area locations. Same-week consults available. Most insurance accepted.