What is the recovery time for spine surgery?

The recovery time for spinal surgery ranges from a few weeks to up to six months, depending on the type of surgery performed, as indicated by MedlinePlus. Diskectomy, foraminotomy, laminectomy and spinal fusion are the four primary types of spinal surgery.

Pain, weakness and numbness may continue for a few weeks after a diskectomy or a foraminotomy, notes MedlinePlus. The recovery time for a laminectomy and spinal fusion surgery may take up to four months, although healing can continue for a year or longer. Spinal fusion surgery may prevent young, healthy patients from returning to work for up to six weeks. Older patients may take up to six months to heal well enough to return to work.