How Much Time Off Will I Need After Herniated Disc Surgery

Traditionally, getting a herniated disc treated surgically was an extremely invasive prospect. The spine had to be accessed using a large incision on the back, and major procedures such as vertebral fusion and the addition of hardware were common. As a result, the recovery time was quite formidable, with patients routinely spending a month or longer away from work.

Fortunately, few spinal conditions need to be treated with open spine surgery these days, thanks to the advent of laser surgery. Minimally invasive herniated disc surgery:

• Requires only a couple of small incisions, no larger than the size of a pencil
  
• Doesn't use major procedures such as vertebral fusion
  
• Has a reduced risk of infection because the incision is smaller and the procedure and recovery don't take place in a hospital
  
• Has a reduced risk of bleeding because the incision is so much smaller
  
• Has a reduced risk of clotting because mobility is better in the days after surgery
  

Recovering

Of course, no surgery is completely without a recovery period; but for laser herniated disc surgery, that period is greatly reduced. Most patients can return to work in just one week. The exception is those who have physically strenuous jobs; those patients may return to work on limited duty after 2-3 weeks, but will need to wait about 6 weeks to return to their full responsibilities.

While missing a week of work is unavoidable, patients reap great benefits in long-term work productivity and health; they are able to work faster and miss fewer days of work as a result of their spine condition. In addition, patients concerned about lost time can take measures such as scheduling the surgery near a three-day weekend.

Good after-surgery care is key to recovering as quickly as possible; this includes following your doctor's instructions in regards to caring for your wound and taking any prescribed medications.

To find out whether you are a candidate for herniated disc surgery, please click below or call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at (646) 374-1799.