Sick leave after an operation
The duration of sick leave depends on the individual living conditions and, above all, on the professional activity. This means that lighter and short periods of work can of course be resumed earlier than heavy physical work. As a rule, you should expect sick leave to last about 6-12 weeks. Depending on the profession, it may also be necessary or possible to return to work only partially at first, as part of a reintegration process, in order to allow for a slow acclimatisation. In some cases, rehabilitation after a herniated disc is necessary, which extends the time of sick leave accordingly.
Risks of surgery for a slipped disc in the lumbar spine
Contrary to the general lay opinion, disc operations of the lumbar spine are considered low-risk procedures. However, as with any operation, there is the risk of complications such as wound infections, healing disorders, bleeding or general surgical risks. Nerve damage cannot be ruled out either when operating in regions rich in nerves.
In addition, there is the risk due to the anaesthesia and general strain on the body due to the hospital stay. In addition, one should be aware that the operated spinal column is not a new replacement. Although the pain usually disappears after the operation, it is always possible that symptoms will not recede.
Scarring after the operation can also cause pain or restrict movement. In the case of a slipped disc in the lumbar spine, the nerves of the nerve roots L4/5 and L5/S1 are particularly at risk. What consequences damage to the nerve root has for you can be found under:
- Slipped disc L4/5and
- Slipped disc L5/S1
Rehab after an operation
As with most orthopaedic diseases, rehabilitation is also important after a herniated disc in order to maintain the success of treatment in the long term. However, after a herniated disc, this usually does not begin directly after the operation. Rather, the spine is relieved in the first two weeks.
Therefore, one should lie down as much as possible during this time, as the force effect on the spine is at its lowest then. Walking can also be resumed quite quickly after the operation. However, sitting should be avoided as far as possible, so there are usually exact plans as to when you can spend a certain amount of time sitting again.
This usually starts at about 10 minutes per day and then increases slowly. During this time passive exercises to activate the muscles and lymph drainage can also be used. In the 4th to 6th week after surgery, increased physiotherapy can then be started.
Back-friendly sports, especially light swimming, can also be started. From the 7th week onwards, the load can then be further increased. Here too, however, one should still make sure that the sport or physiotherapy does not cause any pain.
After about 12 weeks you will usually have regained your full ability to work under pressure. In order to avoid further slipped discs, however, you should continue to do exercises to strengthen the back muscles afterwards. The exact healing process varies from person to person, so all plans and times are only guidelines and may vary from person to person.
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