Dr. Charla Fischer, a board‑certified orthopedic spine surgeon in New York City, performs lumbar minimally invasive microdiscectomy for herniated discs that press on a nerve. Here is what recovery usually looks like, week by week.
What Is a Microdiscectomy?
A microdiscectomy relieves pressure on a nerve that is being pinched by a herniated disc. As Dr. Fischer’s microdiscectomy page explains, a small amount of bone is removed to reach the spinal canal. That bone isn’t important for the spine’s structural support, so removing it doesn’t cause instability. The herniated part of the disc and the soft tissue around the nerve are then removed. The rest of the disc stays in place to keep the spine’s motion and stability.
It is usually considered when a herniated disc hasn’t improved after a trial of medication and physical therapy, often 6 to 12 weeks. You can read more about whether a herniated disc can heal without treatment and about sciatica treatment options.
Surgery Day
The operation itself typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, or about two hours including anesthesia and time in the recovery room. In almost all cases, patients go home the same day.
The First Two Weeks: Rest and Walking
- Walk every day, going a little farther than the day before.
- Change position about every 30 minutes when sitting or standing.
- Be careful with sitting and leaning forward, which puts pressure on the healing disc.
- Avoid lifting anything that makes you strain, such as heavy grocery bags, a briefcase or a vacuum cleaner.
- Limit car rides to 30 minutes at a time for the first 2 to 4 weeks.
Weeks 2–4: Back to Work
After about two weeks of rest, many patients feel well enough to return to work. An office job usually allows an earlier return than physically demanding work. Driving resumes once you are pain-free and no longer taking medication that causes drowsiness. Ask your surgeon when that is for you.
Weeks 4–6 and Beyond: Rebuilding Strength
Physical therapy often starts around four to six weeks after surgery, as part of about six weeks of modified activity. Strenuous exercise, such as cycling, jogging, weightlifting or aerobics, waits until your surgeon clears you.
Microdiscectomy Recovery at a Glance
| Timeframe | What’s typical |
|---|---|
| Surgery day | 30–60 minute operation; home the same day in almost all cases |
| Weeks 1–2 | Daily walks, frequent position changes, no straining or heavy lifting |
| About week 2 | Many return to work, depending on the job |
| Weeks 2–4 | Car rides limited to 30 minutes at a time |
| Weeks 4–6 | Physical therapy often begins |
| After clearance | Return to strenuous exercise |
How Well Does It Work?
Microdiscectomy success rates are considered excellent, and many patients report a high degree of satisfaction. As with any spine surgery, results vary from person to person.
Risks
Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive procedure, but it still carries risks. Rarely, the thin covering around the spinal nerves (the dura) can tear. A disc can also herniate again at the same level, and a second herniation may need another operation. Blood clots and infection are other possible complications. Dr. Fischer reviews the risks with each patient before surgery.
How to Get Help
If a herniated disc is still causing leg pain, numbness or weakness despite treatment, a spine specialist can tell you whether microdiscectomy is a good option. Dr. Fischer sees patients at NYU Langone Center for Musculoskeletal Care, 333 East 38th Street, 6th Floor (646-501-7200), and NYU Langone Madison Orthopedic Surgery Associates, 145 East 32nd Street, 4th Floor (212-427-3986). Contact Dr. Fischer to schedule a consultation.
Sources: Hospital for Special Surgery, Microdiscectomy (updated Feb 2026); Alberta Health Services, Microdiscectomy in the Low Back: What to Expect at Home; Dr. Fischer’s microdiscectomy page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is recovery after a microdiscectomy?
Many patients feel well enough to return to work after about two weeks of rest. Physical therapy often begins around four to six weeks after surgery, and strenuous exercise resumes once your surgeon clears you. Recovery varies with your job, your health and how you heal.
Can I sit after a microdiscectomy?
Yes, but carefully. Sitting and leaning forward put pressure on the healing disc, so change position about every 30 minutes and limit car rides to 30 minutes at a time for the first two to four weeks.
When can I drive after a microdiscectomy?
Driving resumes once you are pain-free and no longer taking medication that causes drowsiness. Ask your surgeon when that is for you.
Can a disc herniate again after a microdiscectomy?
Yes. A disc can herniate again at the same level, and a second herniation may need another operation. Your surgeon will advise you on activity during recovery.
Do I need physical therapy after a microdiscectomy?
Physical therapy often starts about four to six weeks after surgery, as part of a period of modified activity. Your surgeon will tell you whether and when it is right for you.