How long is the recovery for herniated disc surgery?

Most people can return to their usual activities around 4 weeks after herniated disc surgery. People who follow a rehabilitation program after surgery may experience a shorter recovery time and better mobility.

Can you walk after herniated disc surgery?

The First Week after Herniated Disc Surgery

You will be encouraged to slowly increase your activity level during the first week of recovery after surgery for a herniated disc. Walking is a great exercise after surgery as it helps to improve aerobic endurance and promote circulation in your body.

How long is bed rest after herniated disc surgery?

Abstract. Bed rest is usually considered an efficient treatment for acute low back pain. However, the optimal duration of bed rest is still being discussed. The recommended periods vary from 2 days to 2 weeks.

Is herniated disc surgery painful?

Is a microdiscectomy painful? Following surgery, most patients do well with a small amount of non-opioid pain medication and a drug that relaxes the muscles. While there is some discomfort associated with the surgical incision, many patients experience rapid relief of the pain caused by the herniated disc.

What is the success rate of herniated disc surgery?

According to one study, the success rate for a herniated lumbar disc surgery was 78.9% among 39,048 patients. This same study reported a 94% long-term success rate for patients undergoing herniated cervical disc surgery.

Recovery Time After Back Surgery

What is the best surgery for herniated disc?

Two minimally invasive procedures, microdiscectomy and endoscopic microdiscectomy, are most commonly recommended for lumbar herniated discs. These procedures take the pressure off the nerve root and provide a better healing environment for the disc.

Is herniated disc permanent?

Once a healthy disc herniates, it will never return to its normal anatomical state—the disease or injury is permanent in nature.

What happens if a herniated disc goes untreated?

Nerve Damage

When a herniated disc puts significant pressure on a nerve, it can lead to significant damage by cutting off nerve impulses. Compressed nerves can lead to significant conditions, including loss of sensation in lower extremities or even loss of bowel control.

How long do you stay in hospital after a discectomy?

It relieves pressure on the nerves and decreases symptoms such as numbness, tingling, pain and weakness. Surgery will last approximately 2 to 3 hours. You will be in the hospital approximately 3 days. What is a Lumbar (Low Back) Discectomy?

What percentage of herniated discs require surgery?

In many cases, patients with back pain, leg pain, or weakness of the lower extremity muscles are often diagnosed with a herniated disc (also called a slipped disc).

How do you sit on the toilet after back surgery?

Use an elevated toilet seat or commode to raise the level of the toilet. Do NOT lean over your legs while sitting. 2. Wear your brace while using the bathroom.

Do you need a walker after back surgery?

Your physician will encourage you to walk as much as possible. You will need an assistance device such as a walker or cane for the first week; however, you should strive to limit the use of this device after the first two to three weeks when you are on stable ground.

Is it OK to walk with herniated disc?

Absolutely. Walking is an excellent choice for patients with herniated discs, as it stimulates blood flow and oxygen to the cells. It also helps keep your discs hydrated, which is important for healing. Other low-impact aerobic activities to try are swimming and cycling.

Is herniated disc surgery serious?

Herniated disk surgery is generally safe. Risks are rare, but can include: Infection. Damage to nerves or blood vessels.

What is the fastest way to heal a herniated disc?

Should I have back surgery for herniated disc?

Your doctor might recommend surgery as an option for your herniated disc if: Your symptoms have lasted at least 6 weeks and make it hard to do your normal activities, and other treatments haven't helped. You need to get better quickly because of your job or to get back to your other activities as soon as possible.

How long after discectomy can I drive?

Driving and light activities can typically be resumed after about 2 weeks. Routine activities, such as work, school, and/or hobbies may be resumed within 6 weeks. Strenuous labor or contact sports may be recommenced after 12 weeks or longer.

How do you sleep after a discectomy?

Just like sleeping on your back, sleeping on your side helps reduce pain and pressure. Try to alternate between sleeping on your left and right side to distribute the pressure and benefit your spine's alignment. Right after surgery, you can also place a pillow under or in between your knees.

When can I go back to 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.

Can I become paralyzed from herniated disc?

With a herniated disc, the capsule cracks or breaks, and the nucleus squeezes out. This can irritate the spinal cord or nearby nerves, causing weakness and numbness in the arms or legs. A severely herniated disc can cause paralysis.

What is worse bulging or herniated disc?

Herniated discs are considered more severe than bulging discs because they put significant pressure on nearby nerves, which can cause intense pain, inflammation and difficulties with movement.

What is worse a slipped disc or herniated disc?

Herniated disks are also called ruptured disks or slipped disks, although the whole disk does not rupture or slip. Only the small area of the crack is affected. Compared with a bulging disk, a herniated disk is more likely to cause pain because it generally protrudes farther and is more likely to irritate nerve roots.

Will an MRI show a herniated disc?

Yes, an MRI scan is typically used to confirm a herniated disc diagnosis. It is used to locate exactly the point on the spine that shows herniation. This way, treatment, which in some cases may involve surgery, may be better managed to optimize patient recovery.

Does herniated disc show up on xray?

Imaging tests

Plain X-rays don't detect herniated disks, but they can rule out other causes of back pain, such as an infection, tumor, spinal alignment issues or a broken bone.

Can a chiropractor fix a herniated disc?

Nine out of ten individuals with a herniated disc can heal their condition through non-invasive procedures. If you want to explore conservative options for recovery, chiropractic care is an excellent place to start. A chiropractor can help you heal naturally and relieve your pain.