Minimally invasive lumbar decompression, or M.I.L.D. for short, is a treatment specifically designed for individuals suffering from lumbar spinal stenosis, which occurs when the spinal canal narrows and puts pressure on the nerves in the lumbar region of your spine. Individuals with LSS often experience pain and numbness in their lower back, buttocks, and legs, which impedes their ability to stand and walk. LSS causes include osteoarthritis, spinal injuries or past surgeries, disc degeneration, increased bone growth, thickening of spinal ligaments, and rheumatoid arthritis. M.I.L.D. helps with LSS by removing excess ligament tissue in your spine to restore space and relieve the pressure on the spinal canal. Subsequently, M.I.L.D. increases mobility and reduces pain in the lower back, buttocks, and legs. The process of minimally invasive lumbar decompression is safe, efficient, and effective! With M.I.L.D., a tiny incision is made in the treatment area, so that way, specialized tools can extract excess ligament tissue and small bits of bone that contribute to the narrowed spinal canal. The size of the incision is compared to a baby aspirin or the diameter of a pencil. No general anesthesia, stitches, or implants are required to perform this procedure. The doctor performs the procedure under the guidance of an imaging machine to ensure that only the correct tissue is extracted. M.I.L.D. is an effective and safe alternative to lumbar laminectomies, which involves open surgery. As such, M.I.L.D. spares important midline structures in the spine and requires less downtime.