What Is the Usual Herniated Disc Surgery Recovery Time

 Most back pain can be treated without resorting to surgery. Although the underlying cause of herniated discs can't be treated non-surgically, the symptoms can often be managed by improving posture, strengthening the core, and reducing inflammation. If methods aimed at achieving those goals fail, then it may be necessary to treat a herniated disc surgically. Surgery removes the herniated portion of the disc, which presses against the nerves and causes symptoms.

 It's understandable to be concerned about facing the potential herniated disc surgery recovery time. Fortunately, modern surgical procedures can minimize the recovery time associated with herniated discs. The relatively short recovery time associated with surgery is followed by a long-term relief from pain and other symptoms.

 The Procedure Matters

 Patients with herniated discs have two main options for surgical treatment: laser spine surgery, and open spine surgery. Open spine surgery was the only option available for decades. During open spine surgery, the doctor must create an incision along the spine and peel back skin, muscle, and tissue to access the affected disc. The herniated disc surgery recovery time is lengthy for this procedure - patients spend up to 4 weeks away from work, and it can take months to achieve a full recovery. However, the treatment is generally effective at relieving symptoms.

 Laser spine surgery is a minimally invasive procedure, and as such it is associated with a much shorter herniated disc surgery recovery period. During laser spine surgery, there is no need for the doctor to actually open up the spine to access the disc. Instead, the procedure is performed endoscopically. he doctor uses a camera to see the spine, and inserts a laser probe to dissolve the herniated portion of the disc.

 The recovery time for laser spine surgery is significantly shorter than for open spine surgery. Symptoms are usually relieved as the procedure takes place, and the recovery period should not be too uncomfortable. Patients with desk jobs can usually return to work and other normal activities within about a week. Within about 6 weeks, patients heal completely, and physically strenuous activities and occupations can be resumed.

 Although no surgical procedure is without some downtime, the downtime associated with minimally invasive spine surgery is as short as possible and quite manageable for most patients. That fact is one of many reasons that laser spine surgery is rising as the best option for the treatment of herniated discs.

 To schedule a consultation about what treatment is right for your herniated disc, please click below and enter your information or call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at (646) 374-1799