how long can your back hurt after a diskectomy in lower back?

Answer 1

It depends on how well you take care of yourself post-op. I had this surgery several years ago and was back at work in ten days. I still had some tenderness and pain, but it was manageable and certainly better than the pain had been before the surgery.

That said, you can't just expect to go live a normal life after surgery like that. You have to constantly be careful to protect your back from injury, and the muscles in the area of the surgery are likely to be kind of messed up for a long time. I have found regular yoga practice to be a lifesaver, and you should also spend a lot of time working on your core muscles (abs, etc.), as these are the muscles that protect your back.

You should be in physical therapy after surgery -- if your doctor didn't suggest it, ask him/her about it. I hope you feel better soon! Hang in there!