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Recovery Time for Back Surgery on a Bulging Disc

A bulging disc can cause back pain and muscle weakness. If noninvasive treatments have not helped, back surgery could be your next option. Your recovery time will depend on the type of back surgery you undergo.

  1. Bulging Disc

    • A bulging disc occurs when one of the cushioning discs that separate your vertebrae herniates. The soft gel inside the disc pushes through the disc's wall and can put pressure on nearby nerves.

    Diskectomy

    • During a diskectomy, your surgeon will remove the damaged disc. Recovery typically takes about two weeks. If she needs to remove portions of bone along with the disc during your back surgery, your recovery time will be longer (about four months).

    Spinal Fusion

    • Spinal fusion is a form of back surgery that can treat a bulging disc. Recovery time for this procedure is about four months, which will allow the bones in your back to heal.

    Complications

    • Complications due to back surgery can increase your recovery time. For example, an infection require your surgeon to open the surgical incision to drain away pus.

    Considerations

    • If you are elderly, in poor health or a smoker, your recovery time for back surgery on a bulging disc will be longer.

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