MICRO-DISCECTOMY RECOVERY

MICRO-DISCECTOMY SURGERY

Micro-discectomy is performed through a small incision in the lower back. Your neurosurgeon will remove a herniated disc to relieve pressure on a spinal nerve (sciatica). The surgery is typically performed as an outpatient without post operative hospitalization. The majority of your recovery will happen at home.

Recovery Guide

RECOVERY TIMELINE

  • FIRST FEW DAYS

    • DAY 1: After surgery you will be observed and then discharged to your home with a family member or friend.
    • PAIN: Expect to have some pain and soreness at the site of the incision. It should not be debilitating. Start icing the low back when you arrive home to help ease the pain and soreness. Use ice for 15 minutes every 1 or 2 hours or more as needed.
    • MEDS: Pain medications are often provided by your medical team. Carefully follow the instructions for pain medications and be sure to take stool softeners while using pain medications.
    • REST: Plan to allow adequate down time for healing. You may be fatigued and need extra rest.
    • ACTIVITY: Avoid bending, twisting, and heavy lifting with the low back. Try to walk at least twice daily. You may need a cane or walker at first. It is very important to take measures to avoid falling after surgery.

  • WEEKS 1 - 2

    • PAIN: The pain from surgery should quickly improve over the first week. You may have soreness with some activities. Continue to ice the low back as needed for soreness.
    • ACTIVITY: Try to walk several times per day as tolerated. Slowly increase your activity but avoid strenous activity.
    • B/L/T: Avoid bending and lifting with the low back as much as possible. Use of a grabber tool is suggested to avoid stressing the low back while healing.
    • WOUND: Keep the incision clean and dry. Check your incision daily for any signs of infection. If skin glue was used do not scratch or remove the glue.
    • BRACE: A low back brace can be used to help with soreness after surgery. Wear the brace as you increase your activity level.

  • MONTHS 1, 2, and 3

    • PT: After post operative follow up with your provider, you will likely be ready to start outpatient physical therapy. Some patients may be able to do home physical therapy on their own.
    • ACTIVITY: Continue to avoid heavy lifting with the low back. Continue to use a grabber tool to avoid stressing the low back. Avoid strenous activities with the low back until closer to 3 months after surgery. Listen to your back and avoid activities that cause pain.
    • ICE/HEAT: You may benefit from alternating heat and ice treatments on the low back at times.
    • BRACE: Consider wearing a low back brace as you increase your activity level.
    • WORK: You may be ready to return to non-strenuous work by 4 to 6 weeks after surgery although it could take longer. Discuss returning to strenuous activities with your provider.
Lumbar Surgery Recovery Aids

MICRO-DISCECTOMY RECOVERY AIDS

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KEY HOME RECOVERY POINTS

Most patients see significant improvement in their sciatica immediately after surgery. You may have back pain and muscular soreness from surgery that should continue to improve each week after surgery.

It is very important to avoid falling after your surgery. Use of a walker or cane may be needed temporarily or even permanently.

Contact your provider if you develop any of the following concerning symptoms:

  • Uncontrolled pain
  • Fever or chills
  • Drainage from the incision
  • New weakness or numbness

This guide is meant to serve as a reference for patients at Coastal Spine Institute, PC and may not be applicable to your surgery. Consult with your medical provider to determine if this guide is appropriate for you.