How long is recovery from 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 sit after herniated disc surgery?

Post-Operative Care Patients should try to avoid sitting in the same position for more than 45-60 minutes in the first few weeks after surgery. After sitting for 45-60 minutes, patients should get up and stretch or walk for a little bit, then sit down again if desired.

How do you feel after herniated disc surgery?

You can expect your back to feel stiff or sore after surgery. This should improve in the weeks after surgery. You may have relief from your symptoms right away, or you may get better over days or weeks. In the weeks after your surgery, it may be hard to sit or stand in one position for very long.

How much should I walk after back surgery?

Walking is the best activity you can do for the first 6 weeks after surgery. You should start out slowly and work up to walking 30 minutes at least twice a day. Do not be surprised if you require frequent naps during the day.

What is the best position to sleep after back surgery?

The best sleeping position to reduce your back pain after surgery is either on your back with your knees bent and a pillow under your knees or on your side with your knees bent and a pillow between your legs.

How should I lay down after back surgery?

It is generally OK after back surgery to sleep in whatever position is most comfortable. Some prefer to sleep on one side or the other with a pillow between their knees and/or behind them to support the back.

How should I sleep after herniated disc surgery?

How long does it take a herniated disc to heal after surgery?

Usually a herniated disc will heal on its own over time. About half of people with a herniated disc get better within 1 month, and most are better within 6 months. Only about 1 person in 10 eventually has surgery. Be patient, and stay with your treatment.

When to seek emergency care for a herniated disk?

But if you develop any of the following emergency signs, you should see a doctor immediately: Loss of bowel and/or bladder function Worsening or disabling spine pain, such as in the neck, mid back, low back Arm and/or leg weakness, pain, numbness, or tingling Saddle anesthesia (loss of sensation in the groin, anal area, buttocks, and inner thighs) Difficulty with balance or walking

When do I need surgery for a herniated disk?

Surgery for a herniated disk would be considered if there is nerve damage, if pain and other symptoms are so severe that they interfere with daily activities, or if non-surgical treatment is not effective. Surgery often can resolve herniated disk symptoms more quickly than other treatments.

Does a herniated disc automatically mean you need surgery?

The good news is that a herniated disc does not always mean surgery. In fact, there are a lot of conservative treatments that work very well and can alleviate your pain. For most patients, the first thing that is suggested are medications. These can include everything from over-the-counter anti-inflammatories to narcotics and muscle relaxers.