How long does microdiscectomy take to work for sciatica?

Sciatica occurs when a nerve supplying the leg is irritated, often by a disc problem in the lower back. Microdiscectomy removes the material pressing on that nerve. Removing the pressure does not instantly reverse every effect of irritation: burning pain may settle before pins and needles or weakness, and the nerve may need time to recover.

Your progress is judged by trends such as walking, leg strength, sensation and pain, rather than one difficult day. Coughing, sitting, poor sleep or increasing activity can briefly make symptoms more noticeable during recovery.

Use the movement plan provided by your surgeon, take short walks, and change position regularly. Keep the wound clean and follow restrictions on bending, lifting and twisting. Take medicines only as prescribed and attend reviews so leg strength and sensation can be checked. Return to work, driving, gym exercise or sport should be based on your examination and duties, not on a fixed timetable.

Report increasing leg pain, a new change in sensation, new weakness, wound redness or drainage, fever, or pain that is difficult to control. Get urgent help if you develop new bladder or bowel problems, numbness around the groin or inner thighs, or rapidly worsening weakness. Those changes can signal significant nerve compromise.

Ask how your strength and sensation will be followed, which symptoms are expected during the first part of healing, when to start physiotherapy, and what work or exercise limits apply to your case.