What are the chances of reherniation after a microdiscectomy?

Reported rates mostly run from 5% to 15%. AAOS patient guidance gives up to a 20% to 25% lifetime chance, with or without surgery.

What should I do about numbness that hasn’t gone away?

Tell your surgeon about numbness that lingers, and call the same day for leg weakness that is getting worse.

Microdiscectomy · 6 months or more

Microdiscectomy Recovery, 6 Months and Beyond: What’s Normal

Months out, you lift without thinking about it most days, until a stiff morning makes you wonder if the disc is going again.

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.

What’s normal now

A 2025 Dutch study followed 257 people after a microdiscectomy. A year later, 69% were back at their old job with no restrictions. Source
Reported recurrence rates mostly run from 5% to 15%, depending on the study: roughly 1 in 20 to 1 in 7. Source
The risk of the disc going again is real, but it’s the minority. Smoking went with about twice the risk, and you can change it. Source
Numbness takes longer than pain, and sometimes doesn’t fully clear. Source

Free milestone map

Where are you in recovery?

Pick your surgery and your week. Your map opens right here: what’s normal now, what usually comes next, and the guides for each stage. No email needed.

What usually comes next

General tracking advice: test a few meaningful tasks the same way each week and compare four-week blocks, not single days. Source

Questions to bring to your surgeon or PT

The studies give group numbers. What do you think my own recurrence risk looks like? Source
My progress has stalled. Can we do a real reassessment? Source
Does my lingering pain still fit the diagnosis, or does it deserve a second look? Source

Don’t wait for your next visit

Numbness around or under your genitals, or around your bottom: go to the ER or call 911. Don’t drive yourself. Source
New trouble starting to pee, or controlling your bladder or bowels: go to the ER or call 911. Source
Weakness or numbness in both legs that’s severe or getting worse, or sciatica in both legs: go to the ER or call 911. Source
Worsening weakness in one leg, like a foot that starts to drag: call your surgeon the same day. Source

Chest pain or trouble breathing: call 911.

Questions men ask at this stage

What are the chances of reherniation after a microdiscectomy?: Reported rates mostly run from 5% to 15%. AAOS patient guidance gives up to a 20% to 25% lifetime chance, with or without surgery. Source
What should I do about numbness that hasn’t gone away?: Tell your surgeon about numbness that lingers, and call the same day for leg weakness that is getting worse. Source