Lumbar Discectomy Surgery
Post-Operative Recovery Guide
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Comprehensive recovery instructions for fast healing and return to activities
Recovery Overview
Lumbar discectomy removes herniated disc material to relieve nerve compression and sciatica. This minimally invasive procedure preserves spinal motion and allows for rapid recovery with most patients returning to normal activities within weeks.
Hospital Stay
Same-day or overnight stay for most procedures
Walking
Begin walking within hours of surgery
Return to Work
1-2 weeks for desk work, 6-8 weeks for physical labor
Full Recovery
6-8 weeks for complete healing and return to all activities
Recovery Timeline
Surgery Day
- Walking within hours of surgery
- Home same day or next morning
- Pain management with oral medications
- Immediate leg pain relief in most cases
Early Recovery
- Walk multiple times daily, gradually increasing distance
- No lifting over 10 pounds
- Avoid prolonged sitting (limit to 30 minutes)
- First follow-up appointment
Progressive Activity
- Return to desk work possible
- Gradual increase in daily activities
- Physical therapy may begin
- Lifting restrictions gradually increase
Full Recovery
- Return to physical work and sports
- Resume all normal activities
- Continue core strengthening exercises
- Final follow-up appointment
Activity Guidelines
Avoid These Activities
- No lifting over 10 lbs for first 2 weeks
- No bending at waist or twisting
- No prolonged sitting (limit to 30 minutes initially)
- No driving while taking narcotics
- No high-impact activities for 6 weeks
Encouraged Activities
- Walking multiple times daily
- Proper body mechanics (hip hinging, not bending)
- Ice application to incision site
- Adequate rest and sleep
- Core strengthening exercises when cleared
Keys to Successful Recovery
- Walking is medicine: Walk multiple times daily to promote healing and prevent stiffness
- Protect your back: Use proper body mechanics to prevent re-injury
- Gradual progression: Slowly increase activities as tolerated
- Core strengthening: Build core muscles to support your spine long-term
- Maintain healthy weight: Reduces stress on spine and prevents recurrence
What to Expect
Normal Symptoms
- Incision soreness and muscle spasms (improves within days)
- Residual numbness or tingling (may take weeks to months to resolve)
- Fatigue and need for frequent rest
- Occasional sharp pains during healing
Nerve Recovery
Leg pain typically improves immediately, but nerve healing takes time:
- Pain relief: Usually immediate
- Numbness: May take 3-6 months to improve
- Weakness: Gradual improvement over 6-12 months
When to Seek Immediate Care
Contact our office immediately or go to the emergency room if you experience:
- Severe, uncontrolled pain despite medication
- New or worsening weakness in legs or feet
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Signs of infection (fever >101.5°F, wound drainage, increasing redness)
- Severe headache (possible spinal fluid leak)
- Calf pain, swelling, or warmth (possible blood clot)
Related Resources
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes and supplements your personalized instructions from Dr. Greenberg. Always follow the specific guidance provided during your consultation and follow-up visits. Individual recovery timelines may vary.