What is the Average Herniated Disc Surgery Recovery Time

Having an estimate of recovery time is important when going into any surgery, so that patients can make arrangements regarding things like work, child care, and travel. Herniated disc surgery recovery time depends largely on the type of surgery used, as we will outline below.

Open Back Surgery

For years, open back surgery was the only surgical treatment available for herniated discs. It necessitated creating a large wound along the spine, then using scalpels to remove the herniated portion of the disc. In the process, it was sometimes necessary to perform major procedures such as the removal of vertebral bone or vertebral fusion.

With open back surgery, the herniated disc surgery recovery time is quite large:

• Up to a week in the hospital
  
• A month or more away from work
  
• Several months to return to full mobility 

In addition, the recovery time can be relatively uncomfortable, with intensive pain management used for a longer period of time. This is do to the fact that the doctor must cut through and peel away several layers of skin, muscle, and tissue in order to gain access to the spine.

Laser Back Surgery

During laser back surgery, a camera and a laser probe are inserted into the spine through small incisions in the back. The doctor uses the laser to dissolve the excess portion of the disc, and the camera allows him or her to see the affected area. The recovery time is much shorter:

• Patients return home the same day with their symptoms relieved
  
• Most only take about a week off work
• In about 6 weeks, patients make a full recovery
• There is a lower risk of infection, bleeding, and clotting, all of which can stall recovery
  

To learn more about herniated disc surgery, please click below or call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at (646) 374-1799.