Most appropriately selected patients can walk normally and return to an active life after lumbar disc surgery. However, surgery should be considered only when an examination and MRI confirm that a compressed nerve matches your symptoms.
Microdiscectomy or decompression mainly improves leg pain, tingling and numbness caused by nerve compression; it is less predictable for long-standing lower-back pain. Around 75–90% of patients obtain good relief of leg symptoms, but symptoms present for four years may recover slowly or incompletely. recurrence is possible.
Next Steps
Consult an orthopaedic surgeon or for a neurological examination and an updated lumbar-spine MRI. The surgeon can determine whether continued physiotherapy, medication or an injection is appropriate, or whether decompression surgery would benefit you.
Patients are usually encouraged to walk soon after surgery. Depending on the procedure and occupation, return to work may take about 4–6 weeks, while unrestricted routine activities may take up to 12 weeks.
Health Tips
Seek urgent medical attention if you develop increasing leg weakness, foot drop, numbness around the genital area, or difficulty controlling urine or stools, as these may indicate severe nerve compression