MILD vs Open Surgery for Spinal Stenosis: What Napa Patients Should Know
By Dr. Jackie Weisbein, DO, Double Board Certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine, Fellowship-trained in Interventional Pain Management
Quick Insights
the MILD procedure (available in Napa, CA) is a minimally invasive treatment that relieves pressure in the spine caused by lumbar spinal stenosis—offering patients a well-studied alternative to open back surgery.
Key Takeaways
- Clinical trials show MILD leads to significant symptom relief for lumbar spinal stenosis.
- Most patients have lower risk of complications versus traditional laminectomy.
- Many return to daily activities more quickly than after open surgery.
- Napa and St. Helena residents can access this advanced care locally, close to home.
Why It Matters
For those facing spinal stenosis surgery, the MILD procedure offers real hope—a proven way to reduce pain and restore mobility without the risks of major surgery. Choosing this option can mean getting back to walking, gardening, and family—especially if you’ve already tried everything else.
Introduction
When people ask me about the mild procedure Napa patients are hearing so much about, I always start with this: the MILD procedure is an FDA-cleared, minimally invasive treatment designed to relieve painful pressure from lumbar spinal stenosis—without major back surgery. As a double board-certified pain specialist in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine, and one of the nation’s top interventional pain specialists, I’ve helped many Napa and St. Helena residents find lasting relief using advanced, evidence-guided techniques.
The MILD procedure works by carefully removing a small portion of ligament tissue compressing the nerves in your lower spine, allowing more room for movement and less pain. That means most patients recover with far less risk and downtime than traditional open surgery.
Recent systematic reviews show significant improvements for patients receiving MILD, with fewer complications than standard decompression surgeries (learn more from PubMed).
If you’ve reached the point where you’re skeptical, tired, and want your life back—this may offer a real choice beyond “living with it” or undergoing surgery.
What Is the MILD Procedure? Evidence-Based Approach to Spinal Stenosis Relief
When I talk to patients in Napa who are searching for real alternatives to open back surgery, I always start by explaining what the MILD procedure actually is. The MILD procedure (Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression) is a technique where I remove a small portion of thickened ligament in the lower spine—specifically, the ligamentum flavum—to relieve pressure on the nerves. This is all done through a tiny incision, without the need for large cuts or hardware.
What stands out to me, especially for people like Mark from Vallejo who have tried everything else, is that the MILD procedure is supported by strong research. Systematic reviews and clinical trials suggest that patients experience significant improvements in pain and function, with a much lower risk of complications compared to traditional surgery. In my own practice, I’ve seen patients who couldn’t walk to their mailbox regain the ability to shop, garden, or even travel again.
As a pain management specialist who has performed this procedure for many in the North Bay, I see firsthand that real-world outcomes often match what research shows. For those who come to me feeling skeptical—because prior treatments have failed—I often find MILD offers hope, especially when surgery feels like too big a leap. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch patients regain meaningful mobility and independence after years of struggle.
For those who are skeptical—maybe you’ve been told “surgery is your only option”—I want you to know that the evidence for MILD is real, but like any medical procedure, ongoing studies are still refining our understanding of long-term outcomes. If you want to dig deeper, you can read more about the science behind MILD in this systematic review.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Spine Treatment Over Surgery
One of the biggest reasons my patients in Napa and St. Helena ask about minimally invasive spine treatment is the hope for a faster, safer recovery. The MILD procedure Napa patients receive at my clinic is designed to minimize trauma to the body. There’s no general anesthesia, no hospital stay, and most people are up and moving the same day.
For someone like Lena, a busy mom from Napa who can’t afford weeks of downtime, this is a game-changer. Studies show that MILD leads to significant symptom relief and improved mobility, with a lower rate of adverse events than open decompression surgery. In my experience, many patients return to their daily routines—walking, driving, even light exercise—much sooner than they expected.
As someone who is double board-certified and fellowship trained, I’ve also directly compared patient outcomes between MILD and traditional open surgeries in my practice. While every patient’s situation is unique, I’ve found that most people are much less anxious about their recovery and are able to resume the activities that matter to them with far less fear or hesitation. When research highlights lower complication rates, that aligns with what I observe every week—especially for older adults who can’t risk a long hospitalization.
I’ve seen firsthand how this approach helps people regain their independence without the fear of a long, painful recovery. If you’re weighing your options, you might find it helpful to review the MOTION Study, which highlights the benefits of combining MILD with standard medical care.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for the MILD Procedure?
I often meet people from American Canyon or Sonoma who are frustrated after years of trying injections, physical therapy, or even failed back surgery. The ideal candidate for the MILD procedure is someone with lumbar spinal stenosis caused by thickened ligament tissue (ligamentum flavum hypertrophy), who still has symptoms like leg pain, numbness, or trouble walking.
If you’re like George from rural Sonoma—worried about your age, heart health, or the risks of major surgery—MILD may be a safer option. Research indicates that the procedure is generally well tolerated, with a low rate of complications, even in older adults or those with medical conditions. I always perform a thorough evaluation, including MRI review and a detailed discussion of your goals, before recommending MILD.
Many patients come to me feeling overwhelmed, thinking, “I’ve tried everything and nothing has worked.” In my experience, some of the most rewarding turnarounds happen with people who had lost hope and discover that they actually qualify for this less invasive, advanced option. It’s especially satisfying to help someone who thought their only remaining option was open surgery or living with pain.
In my practice, I’ve helped many patients who thought they were “out of options” discover that they were actually perfect candidates for this less invasive approach. For more on who qualifies, you can check out this systematic review.
What to Expect—Your Experience with Dr. Weisbein in Napa
When you come to my Napa clinic for the MILD procedure, I make sure you know exactly what to expect. The process starts with a detailed consultation, where I listen to your story—what you’ve tried, what’s worked, and what hasn’t. I know how exhausting it can be to feel like “just another case,” especially for people who’ve seen multiple providers without answers.
On the day of the procedure, you’ll be in a comfortable outpatient setting. I use a tiny incision and specialized tools to remove the excess ligament, all under X-ray guidance. Patients receiving in-home medical care often experience faster recovery times, allowing them to resume daily activities sooner. You’ll be up and walking within hours, and there’s typically no need for an overnight hospital stay.
Having treated people from across Napa Valley—including Yountville, St. Helena, and beyond—I make it a priority to create a supportive, low-stress experience. My goal is to ensure your questions are answered and you feel at ease before, during, and after your procedure. In my role as a regional leader in interventional pain management, I find that truly personalized care leads to the best outcomes and the highest levels of patient confidence.
I’ve seen patients from Yountville and St. Helena who were nervous about the process leave feeling relieved and hopeful. If you want to learn more about the local medical community, you can visit Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center, which serves as a regional resource for spine care.
Why Choose Napa Valley Orthopaedic Medical Group? Our Expertise, Results, and Patient-Centered Care
Choosing where to have your MILD procedure is just as important as the procedure itself. At Napa Valley Orthopaedic Medical Group, I personally perform every advanced spine intervention. My double board certification and fellowship training mean you’re getting care from someone who not only treats complex pain but also teaches other physicians nationwide.
For patients like Mark, who are tired of “band-aid” solutions, my approach is different. I focus on restoring function, not just masking pain. Our boutique clinic model means you get individualized attention, advanced diagnostics, and holistic support—including exercise, wellness, and ergonomic coaching.
Having served patients from all over Napa, Sonoma, and Marin, I see every day how expert-level, local care can spare people the stress and travel of seeking big-city solutions. In my experience, the combination of advanced technology, deep regional ties, and a whole-person approach sets our practice apart, allowing patients to achieve not just pain relief, but a real return to the activities and lifestyle that matter most.
I’m proud that many patients from Napa, Sonoma, and even as far as Marin County choose our clinic because they want the highest level of expertise close to home. If you’re looking for a team that listens, explains, and partners with you every step of the way, you can read more about our philosophy on our local hospital’s website.
Regional Access—MILD Procedure for Vallejo, Sonoma, Fairfield, and Napa County
One thing I hear often is, “I didn’t know this kind of care was available in Napa.” The truth is, you don’t have to travel to San Francisco or Sacramento for advanced minimally invasive spine treatment. I regularly see patients from Vallejo, Sonoma, Fairfield, and all across Napa County who are searching for real alternatives to surgery.
For example, Mark from Vallejo was skeptical after so many failed treatments, but he found hope and relief right here in the North Bay. I also work with many wine industry workers from Oakville and Rutherford who need to get back to physically demanding jobs without a long recovery.
If you’re in St. Helena, American Canyon, or even Santa Rosa, you’re within easy reach of my clinic. And for those who want to learn more about local resources, Adventist Health St. Helena is another trusted hospital serving our community.
Access to advanced medical care within one's community offers convenience and can reduce stress associated with long-distance travel for treatment. If you’re ready to explore your options, I encourage you to reach out and see what’s possible.
Voices from Our Community
As someone who’s dedicated my career to restoring function and quality of life—whether through spinal cord stimulation, Intracept, SI-BONE fusion, ReActiv8, or the MILD procedure—I know how important it is for people in Napa Valley and the North Bay to feel truly heard and understood. My approach has always been about combining advanced, evidence-based treatments with a boutique, patient-centered experience. As a double board-certified, fellowship-trained physician and President of Women Innovators in Pain Management, I’m proud when our community recognizes this commitment. One Google review shared the following experience:
Google Review Spotlight
Stephen: After going to several doctors, Dr. Weisbein was the only one who took the time to correctly diagnose my problem. She's the best. Read full review
Hearing this kind of feedback from our Napa and Sonoma neighbors reinforces why I do what I do every day.
see what our patients say
Conclusion
In summary, the MILD procedure Napa patients ask me about is a minimally invasive, evidence-backed alternative to open back surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis. Studies show it can provide significant relief with fewer risks and a much quicker recovery than traditional surgery, right here in Napa and surrounding communities. If you’re feeling skeptical or exhausted by failed treatments, you’re not out of options—this approach is designed to restore your mobility and confidence without major surgery.
As a double board-certified physician in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine, and President of Women Innovators in Pain Management, I’m committed to helping you reclaim your life. You don’t have to live in pain—there are real, advanced options available close to home. Schedule your consultation today.
This article is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.
