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Recovery Time for Herniated Disc Surgery

The vertebrae in your spine are cushioned by spongy discs that act as "shock absorbers" between the vertebrae. When a disc is damaged, a portion of it may bulge out and extend, resulting in what is commonly called a herniated disc. This unnatural placement puts pressure on surrounding spinal nerves and can cause a great deal of pain. If the back pain is severe enough, and the condition is not responding to physical therapy, your doctor may decide to operate. Your recovery time will depend on several factors.

  1. Identification

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, approximately 10 percent of people with herniated discs eventually have surgery. This procedure is referred to as a microdiscectomy and involves making two very small incisions in your back at the spot where the damaged disc is located.

    Hospital Stay

    • According to Visitandcare.com, most patients remain in the hospital for approximately three to four days following herniated disc surgery. Your doctor will monitor your progress and pain level and determine when you'll be released.

    Return to Work

    • The Mayo Clinic suggests that you can plan on returning to work no later than six weeks after surgery. However, do not lift anything until you have completed the physical therapy your doctor will prescribe.

    Waiting Period

    • Peter F. Ullrich Jr., a surgeon with the NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin, recommends a waiting period of three months to see if your condition starts to show improvement. If the pain persists, consult your doctor and consider the possibility that something else is causing the pain.

    Surgical Option

    • It is customary for your doctor to wait at least two months to see if physical therapy and other forms of non-invasive treatment are showing any effects before considering surgery.

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