Medical Health Encyclopedia

Microdiskectomy


InjuryDiseasesNutritionPoison
SymptomsSurgeryTestSpecial Topic
Cauda equina
Cauda equina
Herniated nucleus pulposis
Herniated nucleus pulposis
Skeletal spine
Skeletal spine
Spinal stenosis
Spinal stenosis
Spine supporting structures
Spine supporting structures
Overview Risks Recovery Prevention
Alternative Names

Spinal microdiskectomy; Microdecompression


Expectations after surgery

Most patients have pain relief and improved function after surgery, and numbness and tingling gets better.


Convalescence

You will be encouraged to get up and walk around as soon as your anesthesia wears off. Most microdiskectomy patients are released the day of surgery.

Patients typically are able to go back to your normal activities shortly after surgery, but should avoid sitting for prolonged periods or lifting heavy objects. When lifting anything, be sure to lift with your knees (instead of bending over). This is necessary to avoid further injury

If you work in an office, you’ll most likely be able to return to work within 2 to 4 weeks. But if your job is more physically demanding, you may have to wait for up to 3 months.

Your doctor may recommend an exercise or physical therapy program to speed your recovery.



Review Date: 03/13/2007
Reviewed By: Andrew L. Chen, M.D., M.S., Orthopedist, The Alpine Clinic, Littleton, NH.Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).




Find a Therapist
PR Newswire