Lumbar discectomy (herniated disc removal) Neurosurgery

Lumbar discectomy is a surgery to remove the part of a lower back (lumbar) disc that is pressing on a spinal nerve.

Lumbar discectomy (herniated disc removal) procedure illustration

Overview

Lumbar discectomy is a surgery to remove the part of a lower back (lumbar) disc that is pressing on a spinal nerve. The goal is to relieve leg pain, numbness, or weakness caused by a herniated disc. This procedure is often considered after nonsurgical care has not improved symptoms, or sooner if there is significant or worsening nerve problem such as weakness or trouble with bladder or bowel control.

Overview Preparation Clinical Info Recovery FAQ References

Also known as: Lumbar microdiscectomy, Microdiscectomy, Herniated disc surgery, Lumbar diskectomy

Recovery
14–56 days
Return to Work
7–56 days

Preparation & Next Steps

Everything you need to know before and after your procedure

Before Care

  • Complete any preoperative evaluation and imaging your clinic schedules
  • Bring an up-to-date list of medicines and allergies, including over-the-counter products
  • Follow instructions about holding blood thinners or supplements that increase bleeding
  • Follow fasting instructions for anesthesia and arrive at the surgery time provided
  • Arrange an adult to drive you home and stay with you the first day
  • Plan time off from work and help at home for daily tasks during early recovery
  • Set up your home to reduce bending and tripping hazards; place essentials at waist height
  • Pack comfortable, loose clothing and any brace or device you were given
  • Avoid nicotine if possible; it can affect healing
  • Ask how to manage regular medicines the morning of surgery, including diabetes medicines

After Care

  • Keep the incision clean and dry; follow dressing and showering instructions from the care team
  • Avoid soaking the incision in baths, hot tubs, or pools until it is fully healed
  • Walk several times a day, starting with short distances and increasing as tolerated
  • Avoid heavy lifting, repetitive bending, and twisting during early recovery
  • Use pain medicines only as directed by your care team; do not drive while taking opioid pain pills
  • Drink fluids, eat fiber, and use stool softeners if recommended to prevent constipation
  • Return to driving only when you can move comfortably and are off opioid pain medicines
  • Schedule and attend your follow-up visit to review healing and activity plans
  • Call a clinician for fever, worsening redness or drainage from the incision, severe headache when upright, new or worsening leg weakness or numbness, trouble urinating or stooling, or chest pain or shortness of breath
  • Resume work, exercise, and sports gradually according to the plan you receive at follow-up

Clinical Information

Important medical details about this procedure

Indications

  • Leg pain from lumbar radiculopathy (sciatica) due to a herniated disc
  • Persistent symptoms after a period of nonsurgical care
  • Progressive leg weakness linked to nerve compression
  • Severe nerve compression with bladder or bowel dysfunction (cauda equina syndrome)
  • Recurrent herniated disc after prior improvement

Alternatives

  • Activity modification and time
  • Physical therapy and exercise program
  • Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers
  • Epidural steroid injection
  • Heat or ice for short-term relief
  • Watchful waiting with monitoring of symptoms

Risks

  • Infection or bleeding
  • Dural tear with cerebrospinal fluid leak
  • Nerve injury or persistent numbness or weakness
  • Ongoing back or leg pain
  • Reherniation of the disc at the same level
  • Blood clots in the legs or lungs
  • Anesthesia-related risks

Contraindications

  • Active local or systemic infection
  • Uncorrected bleeding disorder or use of blood thinners that cannot be safely managed
  • Severely uncontrolled heart, lung, or other medical conditions
  • Spinal instability requiring a different surgical approach
  • Improving symptoms where surgery is not currently indicated

Recovery Timeline

What to expect during your recovery

Many people notice leg pain relief soon after surgery. Light daily activities usually resume within a few weeks, while heavier work and sports often take longer.

Typical Range

14–56 days

Return to Work

7–56 days

Recovery Milestones

Day 0–2

Walk short distances indoors with support as needed

Day 3–14

Increase walking time daily; limit bending, lifting, and twisting

Day 7–14

Return to desk or remote work if pain is controlled and no opioid use

Day 14–42

Begin light stretching or physical therapy if prescribed

Day 42–84

Resume heavier lifting or impact activities if cleared at follow-up

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions and expert answers about this procedure

What happens during a lumbar discectomy?

The surgeon removes the part of the disc that is pressing on a spinal nerve, often through a small incision using magnification tools.

What is the difference between discectomy and microdiscectomy?

A microdiscectomy is a discectomy done through a smaller incision using a microscope or endoscope. The goal and results are similar.

Will this surgery help back pain or just leg pain?

It most often improves leg pain caused by nerve pressure. Low back pain may also improve, but results vary.

Is it an outpatient procedure?

Many people go home the same day after meeting recovery checks. Some stay overnight based on health factors and surgical timing.

How long does the surgery take?

Operating time varies by person and technique, but many procedures are completed in under a few hours.

Will the herniated disc come back?

Disc material can herniate again at the same or a different level. Staying active and following the recovery plan may lower risk.

Will I need physical therapy?

Many care teams start gentle exercises or formal physical therapy a few weeks after surgery to restore strength and movement.

What restrictions will I have after surgery?

Early on, avoid heavy lifting, bending, and twisting. Activities are increased stepwise, guided by healing and follow-up checks.