How Long Is Recovery from Laminectomy and Microdiscectomy?

Recovery from laminectomy and microdiscectomy varies depending on the patient and the procedure. Recovery from laminectomy can take up to 12 weeks to heal and sometimes up to a year. Recovery after a microdiscectomy takes about six to eight weeks.

Laminectomy and microdiscectomy are types of spinal surgeries performed to help relieve pain, numbness, and discomfort from pressure on nerves in the spine caused by injury, herniated disks, narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis), or tumors. 

A laminectomy involves the removal of all or part of the vertebral bone (lamina). A microdiscectomy involves the removal of a portion of the intervertebral disc, usually the herniated or protruding portion compressing the traversing spinal nerve root. 

• Both laminectomy and microdiscectomy procedures take about one hour and recovery time varies depending on the patient and the procedure. 
• Most patients stay in the hospital for up to three days following their procedure and the surgical site will be sore for several days. Patients are encouraged to walk as soon as possible to help speed recovery, prevent scar tissue, and return mobility to the spine.
• Many patients will be able to do low-impact activities such as bicycling or swimming within a couple of weeks following either procedure, but it will take more time before patients are able to do heavy lifting or other strenuous activities. 
• Recovery from laminectomy can take up to 12 weeks to heal. Sometimes, it can take up to a year for a full recovery. 
• Recovery after a microdiscectomy takes less time, about six to eight weeks.