Microdiscectomy is a surgical procedure to correct a herniated disk in your spine. It's minimally invasive and allows you to recover much quicker than with a regular discectomy. In a microdiscectomy, the surgeon makes a smaller incision and doesn't damage nerve roots or the muscles surrounding your spinal cord when she removes parts of the herniated disk that cause pain. Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals recommends you move around as soon as possible after microdiscectomy surgery.
Walking
Although walking is not a targeted back exercise, it's very beneficial to your pain management after a microdiscectomy. Your doctor should advise you to walk a short distance as soon as possible after the procedure, and work up to a few miles per day as your pain allows.
Stretching
Stretching is a crucial element to your post-operative care. For six to 12 weeks following surgery, scar tissue is forming in your back, so it's important to keep the area flexible. Spine Health recommends stretching exercises five to six times per day to see the results you want. Lie on your back and grasp one leg underneath your knee and pull it into your chest, then switch sides. Lie with your feet on the floor and gently roll your knees from one side to the other while keeping your upper body still, and stand straight with your arms at your sides and bend slowly from side to side.
Strengthening
Strengthening the muscles is the other factor in the rehabilitation process. After the soft tissue has healed from the surgery, which takes two to three weeks, you can begin exercises to strengthen and stabilize the muscles. A four-point stabilization exercise -- in which you kneel on the floor and extend one arm straight along with the opposite leg -- is an effective exercise. Hold the pose for several seconds and then do the opposite limb.
Core Stability
The overall stability of your core muscles is a factor in how quickly you recover. Work on your core stability by standing in a relaxed position near a high table or counter and place your hand on the top. Press down on the surface while drawing in your lower abdominal muscles for a 10 count.
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