How long are you out of work after a discectomy?
Most people can safely return to work 4 to 6 weeks after a discectomy if most of your job is done sitting down, or is generally light work.
How long does it take to fully recover from a Microdiscectomy?
Recovery starts with you To get moving as quickly as possible, start with self-care. Focus on rest, medication, and sleep. From there, exercise and physical therapy can improve recovery. The timeframe for a full recovery from microdiscectomy is about 12 weeks.
What can you not do after a discectomy?
Do not do any running/jogging, vacuuming, weight lifting, sweeping/mopping, laundry, shoveling or raking, riding a lawn mower, wave runner or anything that might irritate your back until you have completely healed from your surgery. Do not drive for at least two weeks after surgery.
How long does sciatica pain last after discectomy?
In some patients all the nerve pain goes immediately but in most patients it is greatly reduced and tails off over three to six weeks.
How much should you walk after discectomy?
You should be walking 1-2 miles per day when you return for your next visit.
How long does it take for nerves to heal after discectomy?
Most patients feel significant relief from leg pain immediately after microdiscectomy surgery. Weakness, numbness, and other neurological symptoms, however, may improve more gradually. It may take weeks or months for the nerve root to heal to the point at which numbness and weakness subside.
Can sciatica return after surgery?
Although most people experience up to 90 percent improvement in their pain levels after a sciatica surgery, no doctor can guarantee this. Numbness may still be present after the surgery, and there is always a chance of sciatica coming back at another vertebra.
What is the recovery period after discectomy?
Your PT can teach you exercises to help you restore normal mobility and to prevent future problems with your back. The overall lumbar discectomy recovery time is approximately 4 to 6 weeks, but you may be feeling back to normal well before that time.
What is the recovery time for a discectomy?
The surgery requires a short stay in the clinic (1 to 3 days) and a gradual recovery between 1 and 6 weeks. However, the technology has advanced and it can be performed by ‘ Endoscopic Micro Discectomy” with the patient able to continue their normal life in two days.
What to expect after a discectomy?
The recovery time after discectomy surgery differs from 1 to 4 weeks depending on the underlying illness dealt with and your general health. You may feel pain at the site of the laceration. The initial pain might not be totally relieved instantly after surgery.
What exercises to do after a lumbar microdiscectomy?
“High-risk post discectomy exercises include deadlifts, squats, sit-ups, leg lowering lower abs movements, oblique twisting movements, and class activities like kickboxing or some Pilates movements that require lumbar twisting,” he explains.