Spinal Stenosis Explained: The Breakthrough Treatment Changing Lives
By Dr. Joseph Mejia, DO, FAAPMR, RMSK
Medical Director, Performance Ortho
What Is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS)?
Lumbar spinal stenosis is a condition caused by the narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back (lumbar spine). As we age, natural changes like arthritis, thickened ligaments, herniated discs, or bone overgrowth can put pressure on the spinal nerves.
The result? Pain, burning, numbness, or tingling in the legs—especially while walking or standing.
Many people unknowingly adjust their posture to find relief—leaning over a grocery cart, for example, can reduce nerve compression temporarily. But that’s not a solution—it’s a sign.
Key Symptoms of LSS
- Pain or numbness in the legs while walking or standing
- Relief with sitting or leaning forward
- Weakness, heaviness, or burning in the lower limbs
- Difficulty walking long distances
Why Traditional Treatments Often Fall Short
Before medical advancements, treatment options for LSS were limited:
- Physical Therapy: While helpful for many conditions, when dealing with LSS, relief is often temporary or minimal if not supported with more advance spine procedures in a team-based approach.
- Spinal Injections: Reduce inflammation and often provide temporary relief.
- Spinal Surgery: For severe cases, surgery was the next step. However, many patients feared the risks, long recovery, or simply didn’t qualify due to age or other conditions.
“Lumbar spinal stenosis is a complex condition that can severely impact mobility and quality of life if left untreated. What makes Performance Ortho unique is our integrated team-based approach—combining surgeons, pain specialists, and physical therapists to deliver comprehensive care. For lasting relief and improved function, collaboration is key.”
— Dr. Joseph Mejia
Introducing the MILD® Procedure: A Game-Changer in Spinal Care
The MILD® Procedure is an FDA-cleared, outpatient treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves without stitches, implants, or general anesthesia. Rather than masking pain like injections, MILD® treats the root cause.
Dr Mejia explains, “the MILD® procedure has been the single most non-operative advancement in spinal care in my 15 years of practice. We now have a path forward for patients that have failed therapy and injections and can’t have or don’t want spinal surgery, truly remarkable”.
What Patients Can Expect: Outcomes & Benefits
- 85% Patient Satisfaction Rate
- 100,000+ Procedures Performed Nationally
- No Stitches, No Hospital Stay, No Implants
What Performance Ortho Patients are saying:
“Before the MILD procedure I could not walk upstairs, now I am traveling around the world” Ellen L., Real Performance Patient -Watchung Somerset location, 2025
Meet Your Expert: Dr. Joseph Mejia
Dr. Mejia is a triple board-certified specialist in Pain Management, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, and Sports Medicine. With over a 15 years of experience, he has helped thousands of patients restore function, reduce pain, and avoid unnecessary surgery.
He currently serves as Medical Director at Performance Ortho, with offices in Watchung, Branchburg, Somerset, and Hillsborough, NJ.
Next Steps: How to Get Evaluated
At Performance Ortho, we specialize in non-surgical, evidence-based treatments that change lives. If you’re struggling with back/leg pain, walking limitations, or frustrated with temporary solutions, it’s time to explore MILD®.
Same-Day / Next-Day Appointments
No Referral Needed
Medicare and Most Major Insurances Accepted
Make an Appointment or Call Today and Reclaim Your Mobility-908-756-2424. The first step toward a pain-free future starts here.