Microdiscectomy for sciatica / herniated disc

One Call. That’s All.

Had the surgery 15 years ago, L4/L5. Took it very easy for a week and then went back to the office.

I probably felt fully recovered after a few months but the relief from sciatica was almost instantly.

Follow recovery/PT instructions as the other poster said and you’ll feel like a new person in just a couple months.

Good luck

I need one also but terrified of it making things worse.

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As with all surgeries, the skill of the doctor is key.

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What if the surgeon was his mother?

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I probably felt fully recovered after a few months but the relief from sciatica was almost instantly

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Same...
Had a double (L4-S1), the sciatica relief was instantly after I awakened.

I had 5 busted from running.

Fused since then.

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For those of you that had it, were y’all able to get back to lifting and regular movement afterwards?

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Yes. Unless by lifting you mean weights at the gym. I didn’t do that before and don’t do it now. I do ride a bike, play tennis, hike, and other physical activities with minimal problems. Lower back will stiffen up from time to time, with some minor pain, but nothing some light stretching and some ibuprofen can’t knock out.

Had it done 21 years. Had to literally use a walker to drag my arse into the surgical ward at 6:00 AM.

Walked out upright at 3:00 PM. Have the occasional stiff/sore back, but almost no issues to speak of.

Still play golf, do physical labor and live a normal life.

Skill of the surgeon makes all the difference, as another poster said.

Had surgery on my L5S1 three weeks ago, same surgery I had just over a year ago. Got a feeling this one also reherniated immediately as well. Had an MRI done yesterday and going in to find the results tomorrow. I am one of the 10% of cases where it doesn’t work. I don’t really want a fusion, but that looks to be the direction I am headed.

Best advice is take it real easy the first few months after the surgery. Limit lifts to under 10 pounds, avoid bending and twisting. Don’t sit or stand for long periods. Start walking in moderation as soon as you can after surgery.

The surgery isn’t bad, the recovery sucks though.

5 years ago. Went great. Went from being in excruciating pain constantly to minimal pain overnight. Do your PT, it’s really important. It took some time, but a few months later I was back to my P90X.