Recovering from Minimally Invasive Discectomy

You can expect your back to feel stiff or sore after surgery. This pain should improve in the days after surgery. You may have relief from your symptoms right away, or you may get better over the next few days or weeks. In the weeks after your surgery, it may be hard to sit or stand in one position for a very long time, and an anti-inflammatory medication can be very helpful. Some other helpful tips include:

• Rest when you feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.
• Try to walk each day. Start by walking a little more than you did the day before. Bit by bit, increase the amount you walk.
• Avoid lifting anything that would make you strain. This may include heavy grocery bags and milk containers, a heavy briefcase or backpack, cat litter or dog food bags, a vacuum cleaner, or a child.
• Try to change your position every 30 minutes while you sit or stand. This will help decrease your back pain while you heal.
• Avoid strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, until Dr. Singh says it is okay.