Minimally Invasive Spine (MIS) Treatment in Granada Hills, CA
For patients with spinal conditions that have not responded to conservative care, minimally invasive spine procedures offer a powerful, low-disruption path to lasting relief. At Modern Pain Solutions, Dr. Jungjae Lim specializes in the most advanced MIS techniques available — including the MILD procedure, Vertiflex, Intracept, and Kyphoplasty — providing patients throughout Granada Hills and the San Fernando Valley with effective spinal care and faster recovery times.
What Are Minimally Invasive Spine Procedures?
Minimally invasive spine (MIS) procedures are advanced surgical and procedural techniques designed to address structural spinal conditions through very small incisions — or in some cases, without any incision at all. Unlike traditional open spine surgery, which requires large incisions, extensive muscle dissection, and lengthy recovery periods, MIS techniques use specialized instruments and real-time imaging guidance to achieve precise, targeted results with far less disruption to surrounding tissue.
The benefits of MIS procedures are significant. Patients typically experience less postoperative pain, reduced blood loss, lower infection risk, shorter hospital stays — many are performed on an outpatient basis — and a much faster return to daily activities. At Modern Pain Solutions in Granada Hills, CA , Dr. Lim brings fellowship-trained expertise and a patient-centered philosophy to every MIS procedure, ensuring that each treatment plan is individualized, evidence-based, and focused on long-term outcomes.
The MILD Procedure — Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Relief
The MILD procedure (Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression, also known as Percutaneous Image Guided Lumbar Decompression) is a breakthrough treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis — the narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back that compresses spinal nerves and causes pain, numbness, and weakness, particularly with standing or walking.
During the MILD procedure, Dr. Lim uses specialized micro-instruments and fluoroscopic guidance to carefully remove small amounts of excess bone and thickened ligament tissue that are compressing the spinal canal. This decompresses the nerves without requiring large incisions, general anesthesia, or implanted hardware. The procedure takes approximately one hour and is typically performed on an outpatient basis.
MILD is particularly effective for patients whose lumbar spinal stenosis symptoms — including neurogenic claudication (leg pain, heaviness, or cramping while walking) — have not responded adequately to epidural steroid injections or physical therapy. Most patients experience significant improvement in their ability to stand and walk following the procedure.
The Vertiflex Procedure — Superion Spacer for Spinal Stenosis
The Vertiflex procedure involves the minimally invasive implantation of a small titanium device called the Superion Indirect Decompression System into the space between adjacent lumbar vertebrae. This spacer works by mechanically opening the spinal canal when the patient is standing or walking — the positions in which spinal stenosis symptoms are typically most severe — while allowing normal flexion movement.
Vertiflex is particularly well-suited for patients with moderate to severe lumbar spinal stenosis who experience relief when bending forward (such as when using a shopping cart) but suffer significant pain with upright standing or walking. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia with sedation and typically takes less than an hour. Unlike some surgical approaches, Vertiflex does not involve spinal fusion and preserves motion at the treated level.
The Intracept Procedure — Relief from Vertebrogenic Low Back Pain
The Intracept Procedure is an innovative, FDA-cleared treatment specifically designed to address chronic low back pain originating from the vertebral endplates — a condition known as vertebrogenic pain or Modic changes, visible on MRI as signal changes within the vertebral bodies adjacent to the discs.
During the Intracept Procedure, Dr. Lim uses a small probe inserted through the skin and into the vertebral body under fluoroscopic guidance to deliver precisely targeted radiofrequency energy to the basivertebral nerve — the specific nerve responsible for transmitting pain signals from the vertebral endplates. By ablating (deactivating) this nerve, the Intracept Procedure interrupts the pain pathway at its source, providing long-lasting relief for a type of chronic back pain that often does not respond well to injections or other conservative measures.
Clinical studies have demonstrated durable pain relief and functional improvement in patients treated with the Intracept Procedure. This treatment is closely related to our broader Back & Neck Pain services and may be considered after other treatments have been tried.
Kyphoplasty — Vertebral Compression Fracture Treatment
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat painful vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) — fractures that cause one or more vertebrae in the spine to collapse. These fractures are most commonly caused by osteoporosis but can also result from traumatic injury or cancer-related bone weakness. When a vertebra collapses, it can cause sudden, severe back pain, postural changes (including a forward-hunched appearance known as kyphosis), reduced height, and restricted mobility.
During kyphoplasty, Dr. Lim inserts a small, needle-thin tube into the fractured vertebra using imaging guidance. A special inflatable balloon is then carefully advanced through the tube and inflated to create a space within the vertebra and restore as much of its original height as possible. The balloon is then deflated and removed, and the cavity is filled with surgical bone cement (polymethylmethacrylate, or PMMA), which hardens quickly to stabilize the fracture.
Most patients experience rapid, significant pain relief — often within days — and improved functional ability following kyphoplasty. The procedure is performed on an outpatient or short-stay basis. If your fractures are related to a fall or personal injury, see our Personal Injury Pain Management page for additional information.
Additional MIS Spine Procedures Available at Modern Pain Solutions
In addition to the MILD, Vertiflex, Intracept, and Kyphoplasty procedures, Dr. Lim offers a comprehensive range of minimally invasive spine interventions, including:
- Basivertebral Nerve Ablation (Intracept): As described above — for vertebrogenic chronic low back pain.
- Aurora ZIP Lumbar Fusion: A minimally invasive percutaneous lumbar fusion option for select patients with instability or spondylolisthesis.
- Posterior Sacroiliac Joint Fusion: Minimally invasive stabilization of the sacroiliac joint for SI joint dysfunction causing low back and buttock pain.
- Radiofrequency Neurotomy/Rhizotomy: Ablation of the small facet joint nerves to provide long-lasting relief from facet-mediated back and neck pain. Related to our injection therapies.
For patients whose pain is also amenable to device-based therapies, MIS procedures may be combined with Neuromodulation treatments such as spinal cord stimulation as part of a comprehensive care plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Minimally Invasive Spine Procedures
How do I know if I’m a candidate for a minimally invasive spine procedure?
Candidacy for MIS procedures depends on your specific diagnosis, the severity of your condition, your imaging findings (X-ray, MRI, CT), and your response to prior conservative treatments. Generally, MIS procedures are considered after non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, injections, and medications have not provided adequate relief. Dr. Lim will conduct a thorough evaluation and review your imaging to determine whether an MIS procedure is appropriate for your situation.
What is lumbar spinal stenosis and what causes it?
Lumbar spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back that compresses the nerve roots traveling through it. It is most commonly caused by age-related changes including thickening of the spinal ligaments, arthritic bone spurs, and degenerative disc disease. Symptoms typically include back pain, leg pain, heaviness or cramping when walking, and relief when sitting or bending forward. Treatments available at Modern Pain Solutions for spinal stenosis include epidural injections, the MILD procedure, and the Vertiflex spacer.
Is kyphoplasty safe for osteoporotic fractures?
Yes. Kyphoplasty is a well-established, safe procedure for treating painful vertebral compression fractures caused by osteoporosis. It has been performed extensively for decades and has a strong safety profile. The procedure is minimally invasive, performed under imaging guidance, and most patients experience rapid, meaningful pain relief with restoration of vertebral height. Dr. Lim will assess your bone density, fracture characteristics, and overall health before recommending kyphoplasty.
How long is recovery after a minimally invasive spine procedure?
Recovery times vary depending on the specific procedure performed. Most MIS procedures offered at Modern Pain Solutions are done on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day. Many patients resume light daily activities within a day or two. Activities such as driving, lifting, or vigorous exercise may need to be temporarily restricted during recovery. Dr. Lim will provide detailed, individualized post-procedure instructions and follow up with you to monitor your recovery progress.
What is the difference between the MILD procedure and the Vertiflex procedure for spinal stenosis?
Both the MILD procedure and Vertiflex treat lumbar spinal stenosis, but through different mechanisms. The MILD procedure involves removing excess bone and ligament tissue to decompress the spinal canal — a “tissue removal” approach. The Vertiflex procedure implants a small spacer between adjacent vertebrae to mechanically open the canal during upright postures — a “space creation” approach. The best option for a given patient depends on the degree of stenosis, the specific anatomy, and other clinical factors that Dr. Lim will evaluate during your consultation.
Can these procedures be combined with injections or other therapies?
Absolutely. MIS spine procedures are frequently integrated into a comprehensive, multimodal pain management plan. They may be preceded or followed by targeted injection therapies, PRP therapy, physical therapy, and — for appropriate patients — neuromodulation. Dr. Lim takes a holistic view of each patient’s condition and coordinates all aspects of care to maximize outcomes.
Does insurance cover minimally invasive spine procedures?
Many MIS spine procedures — including kyphoplasty, the MILD procedure, and Intracept — are covered by Medicare and many commercial insurance plans when clinical criteria are met. Coverage typically requires documentation of the specific diagnosis, prior treatment history, and supporting imaging. Modern Pain Solutions will assist you with the prior authorization and insurance verification process. Call us at (818) 826-4145 to discuss your coverage options.