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Recovery of Spinal Disc Removal Surgery

If you have a herniated spinal disc that is not responding to non-invasive treatment, you could require surgery to remove the damaged disc. Your doctor can help prepare you for the surgery and recovery.

  1. Spinal Disc Removal

    • In spinal disc removal surgery, or a diskectomy, your surgeon will make an incision in your back. She will cut a hole in the problem spinal disc and remove its interior. She could also remove the disc entirely, and replace it with a piece of bone, which will be used to fuse two of your spinal vertebrae together.

    Recovery Time

    • The amount of time your recovery will take after spinal disc removal surgery depends on the seriousness of the surgery. If the disc was hollowed out, you will heal in a few weeks. If portions of your spine have been fused, you will need at least four weeks to begin feeling better, and three months to get back to work.

    Incision Care

    • Immediately after your surgery, monitor your incision for any sign of infection. Be sure to keep it dry for seven days.

    Activity

    • It is important you stay active during your recovery, but you also need to be careful to keep your spine balanced. A back brace can help you do so. Talk to your doctor before planning any activity more strenuous than walking.

    Pain Management

    • Your doctor will give you medication to help you manage your pain while you recover from surgery. If the pain increases greatly, contact your doctor right away.

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