How Long Does It Take to Recover From Disc Surgery?

Disc injuries can cause neck or back pain, inflammation, nerve compression, and mobility issues. Your neurosurgeon may recommend disc surgery to replace the damaged disc and restore function and mobility. If you’ve undergone a minimally invasive disc arthroplasty, take time to rest and recover before resuming normal activity. Here’s more information about how long it takes to recover from a disc replacement surgery:

Incision Healing

Performing a disc surgery, such as artificial disc replacement, involves making an incision to access the damaged joint. The incision is used to remove the ruptured disc and replace it with an artificial one that restores function and mobility. After the surgery, you need a couple of weeks for the incision to heal. Cervical disc replacements are minimally invasive and require smaller incisions. Lumbar disc replacements usually involve abdominal incisions that take a more significant amount of time to heal.

The healing timeline depends on various factors, including the size of the incision and your general health. Avoid participating in any activities that put a strain on your abdomen or neck during recovery. Surgeons use dissolvable stitches that don’t require removal to simplify the recovery process. If the stitches require removal, your surgeon will schedule the service within a couple of days to weeks following the surgery. Your surgeon may also prescribe pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications to help reduce pain and swelling during recovery.

Resuming Normal Activity

Recovering from a cervical disc replacement involves wearing a soft collar for a couple of weeks. The collar helps to restrict movement and allow the joint to heal without disturbance. Avoid any physical activity that involves twisting or placing pressure on your neck. You can resume normal light physical activity after the collar is no longer needed.

If you’ve had a lumbar disc replacement, you don’t need to wear a brace, as gentle movement is recommended several days after surgery. You can walk around between periods of rest to reduce the risk of muscle cramps and fatigue. Avoid jogging, bicycle riding, weight lifting, and aerobic exercises that strain your back and core. Follow your surgeon’s instructions on when to resume physical activity and work. Factors like age, health, and type of work determine how soon you can resume normal activity. Young, healthy people with sedentary jobs usually go back to work sooner than older patients with health conditions and individuals with physically demanding jobs.

Full Recovery

Full recovery is possible after a disc replacement surgery, but the timeline is different for every patient. A full recovery can take several months because the tissues surrounding the spine need time to heal. Your surgeon may recommend physical therapy to help with muslce rehabilitation. Rehab programs involve structured exercises that progress from light physical activity to more demanding workouts. Physical therapy also strengthens your muscles and boosts circulation to promote recovery.

Speak to a Disc Surgery Expert Today

Issues like herniated discs and degenerative disc conditions can be treated through surgery and ample recovery time. Work with your surgeon to develop a custom recovery plan featuring wound care, physical therapy, and symptom management. Contact a board-certified neurosurgeon today to learn more about disc surgery and recovery timelines.