Recovering after a microdiscectomy is to be approached with a bit of cautious optimism. On the positive side, you’ve finally taken the necessary steps to get treatment for the herniated disc and the resultant discomfort and nerve pain. The road ahead post-spine surgery can seem a bit daunting, and it is understandable to have many questions and concerns.
You might be wondering things like how long recovery should take, what activities you can do post-surgery, and how to know if your recovery is going well. To help ease your concerns, this guide will provide information in a comprehensive way, so you know what to expect after surgery.
We will provide a timetable breakdown of your recovery, including what activities you can do, what to keep an eye out for, and how spine specialists support your healing journey.
How Recovery after Microdiscectomy Works
The recovery process after a Microdiscectomy is different from other surgeries. The difference is that the cut is very small, and it is a minimally invasive process. But being minimally invasive surgery does not mean there is an instant recovery. Even though the material in the disc that is causing nerve compression is removed, your body still needs to:
Repair the Damaged Nerve
A compressed nerve can take weeks, and sometimes months, to recover. There is no pressure on the nerve, but even after that, the nerve could be irritated, and it could be sensitive. healing. This is the reason for symptoms like tingling, and there may even be mild to moderate symptoms that include pain or weakness, which could be a sign that the nerve is irritated and is a sign that healing is still taking place.
Repair the Soft Tissue
The incisions may be small, but the internal muscle fibers, tissue ligaments, and fascia internal tissues like muscle fibers, ligaments, and fascia are moved aside for the procedure, and there is some tissue that needs to be repaired as well. The incision is small, but tissue internally, like muscle fibers, ligaments, and fascia, is moved aside during surgery. It takes some time to settle and regain their normal strength.
Decrease Inflammation
The area around the nerve root will be inflamed for around 2-3 weeks. This inflammation is the reason for the soreness, stiffness, and some nerve shock pain from time to time. This nerve pain also sometimes happens after surgery.
Recovery won’t just take time; it will also take activity. It won’t be optimal to be inactive, and it won’t be optimal to just be very active and not have any healing time. Recovery is a smart balance.
How Long Does Microdiscectomy Recovery Take?
Full recoveries take an average of 4-12 weeks; however, this time range differs depending on:
- Age and overall health
- Duration of nerve compression prior to surgery
- Presence of severe neurological symptoms
- Physical activity level pre-surgery
- Type of job and lifestyle
- Post-operative care and physical therapy compliance
Most patients experience relief within the first week after the surgery, and depending on the other factors involved, they should notice an even more complete recovery during the following months; however, complete recovery can take a bit longer due to possible nerve irritation.
Microdiscectomy Recovery Week by Week
The breakdown below should provide the most realistic and patient-centric expectations.
Week 1: Initial Healing Phase
Protecting the incision and initial pain control will be the main tasks of the care team during this first phase. You may notice:
– Sharp leg pain is more or less noticeable than before the surgery
– Mild lower back pain around the incision site with some soreness
– Temporary lower back stiffness after standing or sitting for a long time
– Sleep interruptions due to discomfort
Walking will be encouraged on the first day, and on subsequent days during the week. Short and frequent walks may improve blood flow and assist with the prevention of blood clot formation. Bending, twisting, and heavy lifting should be discouraged. And long periods of sitting should not be done.
Over the short term, complete rest is needed, but staying fully inactive will only hinder the process. We want to achieve rest that is compatible with gentle movement and activity.
Weeks 2 and 3: Gaining Function and Mobility
During this time frame, patients begin to feel more substantial improvement on a day-to-day basis. The shooting and burning pains in the legs usually quiet down, and the discomfort in the back remains, but is starting to feel better and can be moved more easily.
You should be able to:
– Go for longer walks
– Stand and sit for longer without needing to take a break
– Keep doing light activities around the house
– Sleep more soundly and without waking up throughout the night
– Function without frequent disturbances
Every once in a while, you may feel new nerve sensations, such as tingling and warmth, which may be signs of healing, and none of the signs mentioned above should be interpreted as complications.
If your surgeon approves, this will be a good time to initiate gentle physical therapy for posture and stretching, as well as mobility and movement. Many people find it to be the right time to go back to the office, even if it is not full-time.
Weeks 4-6: Strength and Stability
Major milestones are reached throughout this time. Most patients are noticeably more stable and feel more confident during movements. Patients may resume:
– Office work or Hybrid work
– Longer driving distances
– Light exercises such as walking, uphill walking, or stationary cycling
– Standing and sitting for extended periods without feeling discomfort.
To improve and encourage support from the core and glutes, the therapist may add exercises to prevent problems with the discs in the future. They will work to improve muscle balance, control, and decrease activity in the body. Most of the sharp inflammation around the nerve should be gone by this time, and it should be easier to find a balance between activity and rest.
Weeks 7-10: Returning to Routine
Mobility has to be more natural by the 7th week and will last until the 10th week. Many patients claim it will feel as if they are going back to their natural selves. The stiffness in the back will be gone, and it will become easier:
– To do chores around the house
– Travel
– Sit for a long time at work
– Exercise at a low intensity without fear of injury
The therapist will add more low-impact strengthening exercises for the back, hips, and tummy in order to help the spine stay stable and ensure it is not re-injured. Lifting anything heavy, running, and movements with a lot of impact are still not allowed.
Weeks 10–12: Advanced Recovery and Reintegration
As we begin this stage of recovery, many of the restrictions on your activities are lifted. Your back muscles feel stronger, there is significantly less or no nerve discomfort, and you are able to start your normal activities again after getting the thumbs up from your surgeon.
Most patients are able to return to:
– All of your work duties.
– Traveling.
– Moderate exercise.
– Light strength training with a coach.
If you are still feeling nerve discomfort, know that sometimes this is a normal part of the nerve healing process, and you may feel some mild sensitivity or tingling.
Three to Six Months: Long-Term Nerve Healing
Unfortunately, nerve recovery is a long process. Some patients will notice tingling, numbness, or nerve sensitivity, and this may occur in the leg or foot, even when the back feels fine. If you are feeling this, know that it is a normal part of the nerve healing process, especially when you had these symptoms even prior to your surgery.
Staying active with consistent physical therapy, proper body mechanics when lifting, and keeping a healthy body weight will all help with long-term stability recovery.
What You Can Do Safely During Recovery
As you are recovering, keep in mind that it’s important to stay active, as this will help speed up the healing process. However, make sure that you don’t overexert yourself.
Walking as Primary Exercise
Walking is the best and safest form of exercise that you can do throughout the entire recovery period. It is a great way to continue healing, as it strengthens the lower back, improves circulation, and helps the nerves heal.
Mobility and Stretching
You should only start doing some stretches if instructed. Some stretches can include gentle hamstring loosening stretches, pelvic tilt stretches, and light hip mobility work, as these can help take some pressure off the spine.
Light Activities Done Daily
You can usually consider light cooking, cleaning, and light household chores as light daily activities. Try not to bend at the waist when doing so; instead, use your hips and knees in order to help support the movement.
Things You Should Not Do After a Microdiscectomy
Having some restrictions is important in order to reduce the risk of re-injury, as well as avoid further complications.
No Twisting, Bending, or Lifting
These movements are the ones that can increase pressure on the disc space and can irritate the tissues that are healing.
No High Impact Exercises
You should avoid running, jumping, and doing heavy workouts at the gym until your surgeon gives you the go-ahead.
No Long Periods of Sitting
Long periods of sitting can compress the tissues that are healing, so make sure to take a break every 20 to 30 minutes.
Signs that Your Recovery is Going Well/Signs that Healing is Happening
Here are some signs that tell that healing is happening and that your recovery is going well:
These include further improvement in walking endurance, increased quality of sleep, increased sense of stability and confidence, increased movement and mobility, and improvement in tissues that are healing and recovering.
Feeling a bit better every week is the most important indicator that you are recovering. Even if the improvement is slight, feeling better is the most important.
Consultation With a Spine Specialist
If you have any doubts about the progress that you are making, any symptoms that are not going away, or if you would like to have a rehabilitation program that is customized for you, you can consult a pain management specialist. They should be able to assess your progress and your healing, as well as update you on activity restrictions and any concerns related to the nervous system.
Specialists will also help you avoid the risk of re-herniation. The risk of re-herniation can be significantly lowered with the right instructions on how to improve strengthening exercises, as well as to improve the way one maintains posture.
Conclusion
After a microdiscectomy, the recovery process is essential, just like the operation itself. Getting the proper combination of rest, activity, and professional advice is critical, and most patients are able to return to their everyday lives after a couple of months. Gradually understanding the recovery process on a week-to-week basis, and then sticking to those recovery principles, will allow you to have as stable a recovery as possible.
Reach out to your spine specialist whenever you have the need for reassurance about your recovery process.
FAQ: Microdiscectomy Recovery
When will I be able to go back to work?
If you have an office job, you will be able to return after 2-4 weeks. If your job is more physically demanding, then 8-12 weeks will be needed.
Is it common to still have numbness after having the surgery?
Most definitely. It can even take months for the nerve to heal, even after the surgery was a success.
Is it possible for my disc to re-herniate?
Yes, but as long as you stick to the proper rehabilitation and lifting restrictions, then the risk is low.
When will I be able to start exercising?
You can start light walking right after the surgery. Formal exercising and working out at the gym can be done, but only after your surgeon gives you the “okay” to do so.