MILD (Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression) post-op - any comments?

Posted by singer1956 @singer1956, Mar 3 9:01am

I had a micro discectomy of L4-L5 in late Nov ‘25 and again in late Jan ‘26 due to re-herniating. I’m 5 weeks out and still having to take gabapentin for nerve pain although much better then pre-surgery. Has anyone had this procedure and what was your experience 5-6 post op? I had several years of epidurals which worked beautifully, until it didn’t, then surgery. If it re-herniated again, a fusion is the next step and that scares me to death! Thoughts and comments very welcomed.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Spine Health Support Group.

linda6101 | @linda6101 | Mar 3 6:20pm

Try to avoid a fusion. 6 month recovery.

rfsmith48 (Roger) | @rfsmith48 | Jul 28 10:20am

Has anyone used this procedure?What was your expericnce with MILD?Thanks,Rog Smith

jackiet | @jackiet | Jul 29 7:52am

In reply to @rfsmith48 "Has anyone used this procedure?What was your expericnce with MILD?Thanks,Rog Smith" + (show)

There are a number of sites on MCC that discuss this procedure. Perhaps under spine health or chronic pain.

sonnysma | @sonnysma | Jul 29 9:05am

In reply to @rfsmith48 "Has anyone used this procedure?What was your expericnce with MILD?Thanks,Rog Smith" + (show)

I had DRX 9009 decompression treatment at a chiropractic office. It consisted of a large number of appointments at a cost of approximately $4500. I’m not entirely sure that it was as successful as the hype. In addition they wanted to suck me into a whole series of treatments when the decompression was over. I didn’t continue. I guess if you’re desperate it’s worth a try. My back still goes out occasionally so it’s not a cure.

Mariette R. | @marietter | Jul 29 4:49pm

In reply to @sonnysma "I had DRX 9009 decompression treatment at a chiropractic office. It consisted of a large number..." + (show)

@sonnysma not the same thing.
MILD minimally invasive lumbar decompression is a surgical procedure done in outpatient surgery. A small incision in the back is made to get to the area where the nerve is being compressed at the spinal cord . You can google the exact procedure .

dkpffdp | @dkpffdp | Jul 29 5:03pm

In reply to @rfsmith48 "Has anyone used this procedure?What was your expericnce with MILD?Thanks,Rog Smith" + (show)

I have had the M.I.L.D procedure. It does not hurt and the wound is no larger than the size of a pencil eraser. I had a large amount of material removed with this procedure. However, prior to the procedure I was warned by a separate 2nd opinion neurosurgeon that the procedure could lead to a fusion at the L3-4 level. He was right, within months the disc fully herniated and I ended up with severe spinal stenosis. Thoughts to think about.... is the disc compromised (broad base bulge or herniation) / do you have a fusion above or below / do you have multiple levels of disease / is the primary source of stenosis the ligament, the disc or both / do you have degenerative disc disease. I truly believe everyone should get a 2nd opinion. They are a pain but if you are upfront with the scheduler and let them know you are coming in for just an opinion they are super helpful.

jlssurplus | @jlssurplus | Jul 30 7:42am

In reply to @rfsmith48 "Has anyone used this procedure?What was your expericnce with MILD?Thanks,Rog Smith" + (show)

I had it done a year ago on 3 levels. Spent 1 night in hospital due to the number of levels
It helped 1 side but not the other. It is good for central stenosis but will not help for foraminal stenosis. It is worth trying as it is pretty low risk and if it doesn't give you relief it doesn't change the future options.