Week by week

Microdiscectomy recovery, week by week

What’s typical at each stage after a microdiscectomy, from walking and sitting in the first weeks to heavy work months later. Every point comes from our published articles, with the questions to take to your surgeon or PT.

1. Before surgery In one trial, surgery eased leg pain faster than waiting, but results were similar by a year. If you lift for a living, plan your time off in months and build your work plan before surgery, not after.
2. Weeks 0 to 2 Yes, a sore back is expected even as leg pain eases, and some people get a leg pain flare that usually settles. Walk short and often, keep sits short, and know the call-now signs.
3. Weeks 3 to 6 On-and-off leg pain and slowly fading numbness are common now; weakness that gets worse is not. Walks usually lengthen, and in one review, exercise starting 4 to 6 weeks after surgery slightly eased pain and disability.
4. Weeks 7 to 12 New Zealand’s ACC guide puts a full return to heavy work at about 8 to 12 weeks, and very heavy work at 12 to 16 or more. Bending, twisting and lifting together come back last.
5. Months 3 to 6 Still building back at this point is common for physical work: in one study, those who got back to their old job took a median of about 16 weeks, and physical jobs took longer. Judge progress by the trend, not one day.
6. 6 months or more In one study, about two in three were back at their old job without restrictions a year after surgery. Re-herniation happens to a minority, and numbness can be the slowest thing to clear.