How Long Is the Herniated Disc Recovery Process?

There are a few factors that determine how long your herniated disc recovery process will take from this spinal injury.

One factor is your job. If you’re working a desk job, you could go back to work within a week’s time. If you work a physical labor job, however (construction, warehouse work, etc.) you’ll need a little longer — somewhere between four and six weeks.

Of course, the severity of your herniated disc is a factor, too. Some herniated discs heal on their own within 12 weeks. In these cases, some people manage to work through the pain. Some don’t even realize they have herniated discs.

In other cases, spine surgery may be required.

Herniated disc surgery used to be a very arduous and invasive process, but not anymore.

The majority of herniated discs are now fixed with laser spine surgery. This procedure is quick and allows you to get back to work quicker than ever before.

There are several different surgeries for herniated discs, most of which will let you return to work within four weeks.

Spinal fusion is the most severe of these surgeries and requires the patient to stay hospitalized for a few days. You can expect a longer healing time if you require a spinal fusion.

Your workers’ comp spine specialist will best be able to determine what surgery you’ll need, and how long your recovery time maybe. Always ask them for their estimate.

What Should I Do If I Have a Herniated Disc?

If you need time off work for a herniated disc, talk to your boss and workers’ comp attorney or doctor. It’s your right to have time off work to get the surgery you need and heal.

If your employer is giving you a hard time regarding workers’ compensation, you should not take it lightly.

Every person heals at a different pace. Some herniated discs may take a week to heal, some may take 12 weeks.

Don’t rush back to work just because your employer is giving you a hard time. Rest, heal, and then go back to work. Otherwise, the problem will just get worse, and you could end up with severe sciatica pain.

Recovering From a Herniated Disc

Herniated disc recovery is no fun. Missing out on pay is even less fun. Thankfully, most herniated discs heal in a short few weeks, and you’ll be back to 100% in no time.

Take the time you need off work and heal up to ensure you never suffer from a slipped disc again.

If you’re looking for a reliable workers’ compensation doctor in the New York area, call (888) 590-4030 today. Same-day appointments are available.