Is back pain normal after a microdiscectomy?

Yes. A sore back is expected, because the operation leaves the back muscles sore.

How long can I sit in the first days after a microdiscectomy?

Leaflets differ. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde says 15 minutes for the first few days. Follow your surgeon’s sheet.

Did I undo my surgery by doing too much?

Being extra careful hasn’t clearly helped: in two randomized trials, stricter or longer limits brought no clear gain. Your surgeon’s sheet still comes first.

Microdiscectomy · Weeks 0 to 2

Microdiscectomy Recovery, First 2 Weeks: What’s Normal

You make it through dinner sitting down, then get up in stages, one hand on the table, wondering if you overdid it.

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.

What’s normal now

A sore back is expected. Surgery tends to ease leg pain right away but leaves the back muscles sore. Source
Some people get a leg pain flare about 7 to 10 days after surgery, one NHS hospital says. It usually settles; allow at least 6 to 8 weeks. Source
One hospital’s plan for weeks 1 to 2: walks of 5 to 10 minutes, 3 to 5 times a day. Source
Sitting may be the least comfortable position, one NHS hospital warns. Source
In two small trials, exercise started within 2 hours of surgery, or a walking program, didn’t worsen pain. 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

The same hospital plan steps up in weeks 3 to 4: walks of 10 to 20 minutes, 3 to 5 times a day. Source
Our next-morning rule: add a few minutes only after two mornings in a row with back and leg no worse. Source

Questions to bring to your surgeon or PT

What does each limit on my sheet protect, and when does it end? Source
Which movements exactly should I avoid right now? Source
What should make me call you before my next visit? Source

Don’t wait for your next visit

Numbness or pins and needles around your genitals, bottom or inner thighs: go to the ER or call 911 right away. Don’t drive yourself. Source
New trouble starting to pee, or you can’t pee: go to the ER or call 911 right away. Source
New or worsening weakness in a leg, like a foot that starts to drag: call your surgeon right away, day or night. Can’t reach them? Go to the ER. Source
An incision that’s redder, swollen, warm, opening or draining: call your surgeon’s office right away. Source
Throbbing pain or swelling in one leg, usually calf or thigh, or red or darkened skin there: call your surgeon’s office right away. Source

Chest pain or trouble breathing: call 911.

Questions men ask at this stage

Is back pain normal after a microdiscectomy?: Yes. A sore back is expected, because the operation leaves the back muscles sore. Source
How long can I sit in the first days after a microdiscectomy?: Leaflets differ. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde says 15 minutes for the first few days. Follow your surgeon’s sheet. Source
Did I undo my surgery by doing too much?: Being extra careful hasn’t clearly helped: in two randomized trials, stricter or longer limits brought no clear gain. Your surgeon’s sheet still comes first. Source