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Disc Surgery Recovery

Disc surgery recovery will clearly take more time than the procedure itself will take, so doesn’t it make sense that you should be as familiar with the post-surgical process as you are with the surgical process? Patients should have realistic expectations and a clear picture of what they can expect during their disc surgery recovery.

After a traditional open spine back disc surgery, such as a spinal fusion or discectomy, patients should expect to remain in the hospital for several days afterwards, both to ensure that they do not have an adverse reaction to the general anesthesia and so that their surgeon can monitor the site of incision for signs of infection, bleeding, or inflammation. Rest will be important, though your doctor will mostly likely encourage you to try walking the day after surgery. Anti-inflammatory and pain relief medications can be administered, which will make movement less painful during your recovery from spinal disc surgery.

The majority of disc surgery recovery, however, takes place at home. It will be important that patients establish a rehabilitation routine soon after they are released from the hospital. Physical therapy can include mild, low-impact exercise and stretching so that the muscles and ligaments of the back stay strong and limber. While some patients may be able to return to normal activity within several days or weeks after their disc surgery, other patients may be faced with a recovery period of several months or a year. As with any major surgery, risks are involved—infection, recurrence of symptoms, muscle trauma, nerve injury, or negative reactions to the anesthesia can occur. Empowering yourself with all of this knowledge is an important part of disc surgery recovery.

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If you feel that the possible risks of traditional, open spine disc surgeries are not for you, the specialists at Laser Spine Institute (LSI) may be able to offer you a more progressive alternative. Minimally invasive, endoscopic procedures can decrease recovery time, so that you can rediscover a life without pain as quickly as possible. Contact LSI today for more information about our procedures, or for a free review of your MRI or CT scan.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.